Kraun Electric Inc.: Certified Living Wage Employer
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Kraun Electric Inc. has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level. This means that all full time, part time, and contract employees are paid at least Niagara’s calculated living wage of $17.99/hour.
Kraun Electric is a full-service electrical contractor, established in 1996. They tackle everything electrical from large-scale construction projects to residential service and everything in between. The company started with 7 employees in 1996 and has grown to over 60 full-time staff, including office staff, licensed electricians and electrical apprentices. At Kraun, their employees and customers are their most important assets. They believe in providing exceptional customer service and have the expertise to get the job done right.
“At Kraun, we’ve been looking at ways to better invest in our community. We are proud to be earning our living wage certification and we hope that other employers will follow suit. It’s one way we can contribute to ending poverty in Niagara. We are excited to partner with Ontario Living Wage Network as they endeavor to improve living conditions in the community that Kraun staff live, work and play,” says Kelly
Braun, Co-Owner, Kraun Electric Inc.
“We also recognize the value and importance of hiring and retaining the best employees. Our amazing staff is a big part of our success and we want to make sure they feel appreciated and cared for. Many of our highly skilled staff are already paid much more than a living wage, but by committing to this, we are ensuring that everyone, even entry-level employees, are earning enough to make ends meet,” says Aaron Jones, Co-Owner, Kraun Electric Inc.
“Over 20 employers across Niagara have now chosen to become living wage certified at the Champion level,” 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
