The living wage in Chatham-Kent has gone up 2.9 per cent from previous years.
Members of the Chatham-Kent Prosperity Roundtable worked with the Ontario Living Wage Network to calculate new figures ahead of Living Wage Week.
Based on their calculations, the living wage in Chatham-Kent is now $16.33, which is up from $15.86 in 2014. The living wage is different from minimum wage, as it takes into account the cost of living and the cost of taking part in activities. The living wage is also calculated for a family of four, with two full-time workers in the household. The average monthly cost calculated for this example is $5,867 or $70,400 annually.
"The 2018 calculations were completed with a new standardized methodology produced by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives," said Phillip Mock, project coordinator for the Prosperity Roundtable, in a statement. "This new methodology provides more accurate results, and allows for comparisons between communities.”
According to the Ontario Living Wage website, the cost of living in nearby St. Thomas, Elgin is $16.57, while Toronto is $21.75.
AgMedica recognized as living wage employer. (Photo courtesy of Chatham-Kent Prosperity Roundtable).
With the minimum wage in Ontario at $14 per hour, Mock said the gap means more Chatham-Kent residents will struggle to "live a modest life."
To help fill the gap for some residents, the Prosperity Roundtable is encouraging businesses to look into becoming a living wage employer; something AgMedica Bioscience Inc. was recently recognized for.
"They are the first licensed producer in Chatham-Kent to register as a living wage employer," said Mock. "They are registered as a champion, the highest attainable level as a living wage employer."
Local businesses interested in becoming a registered living wage employer with the Prosperity Roundtable are encouraged to visit their website.