ServiceMaster Restore of Niagara: Certified Living Wage Employer
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that ServiceMaster Restore of Niagara has become a certified living wage employer.
ServiceMaster Restore of Niagara is a full service restoration company that provides property owners and insurance companies with the highest quality emergency restoration services. They have been serving the Niagara region for over 50 years. Based in St Catharines, they currently employ 14 full time and six part time staff. “Our team bought the Niagara location in 2017 and we’ve been very proud to continue to uphold the fine reputation built by Bob and Chris Osborne,” says ServiceMaster Restore of Niagara co-owner Justin Callon.
“As three young owners who have come up through the ranks in the restoration and construction industry, we understand the importance of earning enough to get by,” says Callon. “Providing a living wage is a huge part of attracting and retaining quality staff. Good employees are a company’s biggest assets, and by paying them fairly we show our respect and appreciation to the people who make our business possible. We also know that it’s not only about money, and that providing a positive work atmosphere where people want to work is equally important. We credit much of our growth over the last two years to the quality and experience of our employees. We have had no staff turnover since opening our doors, and this speaks to the inclusive atmosphere we have built within our organization. When your employees are happy in their position and can afford to put down roots in the community, they are more likely to stay and grow with you. Long term, trained employees are integral to the success of our company. We are in the homes of families during times of distress, so having a team that we can depend on to provide the compassion and level of service we require is of the utmost importance to us.”
“There are now 20 employers across Niagara who have chosen to become living wage certified,” says Melenie Neamtz, Vice-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
