As part of Living Wage Week, November 10th to 14th, United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) and the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN) announced the region’s new living wage of $24.60 an hour, up from $23.05 last year.
A living wage shows how much a worker needs to earn to cover basic costs and take part in community life. The calculation looks at expenses for three types of households: two adults with two small children, a single parent with one child, and a single adult. It also factors in government taxes, benefits, and transfers.
“Making our communities more livable is an ongoing effort,” said UWPH Executive Director Ryan Erb. “Rising housing costs and higher transportation expenses in rural areas continue to drive up the living wage.”
Erb added that relying on minimum wage leaves workers far short of what they need. “Even with the recent minimum wage increase, a full-time worker would still be $245 short each week. If people can’t afford to live here, our communities can’t thrive. Paying a living wage helps ensure our towns survive and grow.”
Businesses can learn more about the living wage and how to certify by visiting perthhuron.unitedway.ca.