Living wage could reduce local poverty
What is a living wage? It is a conservative estimate of the hourly rate that a full-time employee must earn to meet their basic needs for shelter, food, clothing, transportation, and minimal savings for emergencies, without resorting to welfare or social assistance. In Waterloo Region, the living wa...
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| Published in | Kitchener-Waterloo record |
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| Main Author | |
| Format | Newspaper Article |
| Language | English |
| Published |
Kitchener, Ont
Torstar Syndication Services, a Division of Toronto Star Newspapers Limited
15.09.2009
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| Online Access | Get full text |
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| Summary: | What is a living wage? It is a conservative estimate of the hourly rate that a full-time employee must earn to meet their basic needs for shelter, food, clothing, transportation, and minimal savings for emergencies, without resorting to welfare or social assistance. In Waterloo Region, the living wage has been calculated as $13.62 an hour. A living wage is not a solution to poverty in itself, but represents one piece of a comprehensive commitment to reduce and prevent poverty. Option 1 is to do nothing or defer the implementation of a living wage policy. This option would have no cost and no direct benefit. As a progressive municipality and employer, the region would lose an opportunity to assist individuals and families with lower incomes. It would also miss its chance to lead Canada as the first Canadian community to implement a living wage policy. Ottawa is close on our heels. Option 4, the most significant change, is to implement a policy for the Regional Municipality of Waterloo that requires a living wage for all nonstudent regional employees. It would also require contractors to pay a living wage for nonstudent employees at regional facilities in specified services. The region estimates that this option would benefit 100 to 200 individuals who currently serve our community and earn below $13.62 per hour. |
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