Living Wage: More Than Just a Number

As a proud Living Wage employer, United Way Northumberland understands that a job should enable workers to make ends meet where they live. After all, what else is work for, if not to pay your bills?

The living wage differs from minimum wage in a crucial way – it’s calculated based on real costs in our community. We look at essential expenses workers face: housing, transportation, childcare, and food, along with basic needs like internet access and clothing. After factoring in government benefits and transfers, we arrive at an hourly rate that allows workers to meet their basic needs with dignity.

The numbers tell an important story:

• 1 in 6 food bank users report employment as their primary income
• 1 in 3 minimum wage earners have post-secondary education
• 75% of low-wage workers are adults with households to support

 

Employers who commit to paying a living wage report significant benefits:

• Reduced recruitment and training costs
• Improved employee morale
• Increased productivity
• Workers don’t need multiple jobs to survive

 

With rising inflation and affordability concerns dominating headlines, the importance of a living wage has never been clearer. This isn’t just about numbers – it’s about building a community where work provides dignity and security for everyone.

As one of over 600 certified Living Wage employers in Ontario, we’re proud to support this movement toward fair compensation. Because when people earn enough to meet their basic needs, our whole community thrives.