United Way Perth-Huron’s Social Research and Planning Council (SRPC) has announced a new living wage locally of $22.75 per hour.
It's a big increase from $20.70 per hour, the figure from just last year.
The living wage for the Perth-Huron area was $17.95 in 2021.
“As the cost of living in the places we call home continues to rise, it’s becoming more important than ever for people across our communities to talk about how we can make our region more livable and that includes concepts like a living wage,” Kristin Crane, director of social research and planning, said in a media release.
Crane pointed to increases in cost of food and housing driving the increase in the living wage.
Food and shelter are fundamental to personal well-being, and that highlights how important it is for wages to be responsive to inflation so the economic pressures many individuals and families face are reduced, Crane said.
Living wage is calculated using local data based on a 35-hour work week. It considers the living expenses of a weighted average of three family types including a family of four, a single mother supporting a seven-year-old child and a single adult, once government transfers and deductions are taken into account.
Everyday expenses in the calculation included food, housing, utilities, clothing, childcare and transportation.
The Ontario Living Wage Network features hourly pay figures needed for a living wage for 10 regions in Ontario. Perth, Huron along with Bruce, Grey and Simcoe are all listed at $22.75 per hour, second only to the Greater Toronto Area, at $25.05.
Rates are updated on the first Monday of November, part of living wage week, Nov. 6-12.
Through their community partnerships, United Way Perth-Huron encourages local employers to consider paying a living wage to its employees, and many local businesses have signed on to that endeavour over the years in Huron and Perth counties.
“We understand it’s challenging for businesses to think about increasing their expenses, particularly at a time when so many organizations are feeling the pressure of higher pricing themselves,” Crane added.
“But we continue to hear from certified living wage employers that paying a living wage helps in many ways and over time, from reducing turnover and increasing productivity to boosting morale. While paying a living wage may seem daunting, organizations benefit in the long run.”
Ryan Erb, United Way Perth-Huron executive director, said a living wage is another facet of helping make sure more people are able to take part in the life of their community and not feel isolated or stressed.
“Not having enough to get by has such a profoundly negative effect on a person’s life. If we want a fairer, more welcoming place to live, the living wage is another tool to help make sure that as we continue to grow and create opportunities as a community, everyone can benefit.”
For more information about Perth-Huron’s living wage, visit perthhuron.unitedway.ca.
