Centennial Construction and Contracting: Certified Living Wage Employer
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Centennial Construction and Contracting (Niagara) Inc. has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level.
Centennial Construction is now a second generation family run business that was established in 1992. Originally just homebuilders, they eventually expanded into foundations, site servicing, concrete, and more. Throughout the past five years, they have been putting in a lot of heart and effort towards new home builds across the Niagara Region with a modern style and design that differentiates them from others. Centennial Construction currently employs just over 60 employees in their construction, concrete and farm divisions.
“As a family run business we know the true value of hard work and dedication, we also know that we as a company, would be nowhere without the dedication and skills of each and every single one of our employees. Throughout the years, we have continued to notice that the cost of living is constantly on the rise, knowing that minimum wage is just not enough to get by. We never want our employees to struggle and that is why, even as we continue to grow, all our employees know we are there for them in every way. We are excited to partner with Ontario Living Wage Network and other local businesses as we work together to improve living conditions and end poverty across the Niagara Region. We hope that many local companies follow our lead, as we truly believe that every hardworking individual deserves to live comfortably,” says Cassandra Candeloro, Designer, Centennial Construction and Contracting.
“We are very pleased to see so many local employers who recognize the value and benefits of paying at least a living wage. Paying a living wage takes direct action to tackle poverty and we are excited to see the growing number of Niagara businesses joining us in this work,” says Glen Walker, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network.
A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in the community. A living wage is not the same as the legislated minimum wage. It is a voluntary commitment that employers can make to compensate directly-employed and contract-employed full-time and part-time workers. The 2019 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $18.12/hour. If an employer’s total compensation package includes benefits such as dental and prescription drugs, the living wage can be lowered by at least $1.00/hour. Learn more about Niagara’s living wage at www.wipeoutpoverty.ca
Niagara-area employers interested in becoming living wage certified can contact the Ontario Living Wage Network for more information at www.ontariolivingwage.ca
