Gillian’s Place: Certified Living Wage Employer
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Gillian’s Place has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level.
As one of Ontario’s first shelters for abused women and children, Gillian’s Place has grown to provide services throughout North and West Niagara. With the 34 bed shelter and two office locations, Gillian’s Place provides safe refuge and non-residential programs that enable women and their children to break the cycle of violence for over 40 years. They currently employ 24 full time and 18 part time staff.
“Paying a Living Wage aligns with our organization’s core mission. We work to empower women through our services, our support and by addressing the issues that impact women in our community. This extends beyond our clients, to all women with whom we work, including our staff. We know that providing exceptional services and support to women and children fleeing abuse would not be possible without the expertise and commitment of our staff. Being certified as a Living Wage Employer is our way of celebrating this commitment, taking a stand to advocate for women, and encouraging other employers to follow suit,” says Tanja Loeb, Executive Director, Gillian’s Place.
“Over 20 employers across Niagara have now chosen to become living wage certified,” says Glen Walker, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network. “We are very pleased to see so many local employers who recognize the value and benefits of paying at least a living wage.”
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 2018 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $17.99/hour. If an employer’s total compensation package includes benefits such as dental and prescription drugs, the living wage can be lowered by about $1.50/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
