Editor's Note: This story was previously posted on StratfordToday.ca.
NEWS RELEASE
UNITED WAY PERTH-HURON
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United Way Perth-Huron (UWPH) is proud to announce the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce is the latest local organization to certify as a living wage employer.
“We would like to thank the Stratford and District Chamber of Commerce for certifying,” added UWPH Executive Director, Ryan Erb. “We appreciate organizations like the Chamber of Commerce taking a leadership role in supporting important initiatives like the living wage that aim to make our region an even better place to live and work.”
“We believe strongly in offering tools for our business community,” added Aaron Martin, general manager of the Stratford & District Chamber of Commerce. “The living wage is a great metric to demonstrate what workers need to live a comfortable life locally, which is valuable both in terms of recruiting and retaining employees. The Chamber is pleased to be part of this important initiative.”
The Perth-Huron living wage of $23.05 per hour is calculated by the Ontario Living Wage Network to show how much a worker must earn per hour to make ends meet where they live. The calculations gather expenses for three types of households: two adults supporting two small children, a single parent, and a single adult. The results are aggregated, and include any applicable government taxes, transfers, and benefits.
Currently, there are 39 certified employers that pay at least a living wage in Perth-Huron, representing many different sectors and business sizes. To qualify for certification, employers agree to pay all employees at least a local living wage. They must also track increases to the living wages every year. For more information about Perth-Huron’s living wage, visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
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