The Enviro-Niagara Group: Certified Living Wage Employer
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that The Enviro-Niagara Group has become a certified living wage employer.
The Enviro-Niagara Group was established in 2009, beginning with the purchase of a heating and air conditioning vendor. Today, Enviro-Niagara has a full-service retail location with heating, air conditioning, fireplace, hearth, barbecue, and custom metal fabrication (ductwork) services and supplies all under one roof. They are located in Welland on Highway 20 between the 406 and Merrittville Highway and currently employ 22 full time staff.
“The Ontario Living Wage Network matches The Enviro-Niagara Group company policy to be dedicated to the community and committed to the environment, a policy that comes from the people that care. Our staff are our frontline ambassadors to the community and with a living wage are able to participate in volunteer activities, sports leagues, and family events throughout the Niagara region. We work on the idea that every dollar spent locally is worth three when folks support and know their strong local businesses. It comes right back into the things that we love,” says Enviro-Niagara owner, Mike Konderka. “With our mixture of skilled trades, retail, and sales professionals we have the right mix – four amazing seasons and three great businesses – under one roof. When it comes to family, our benefits packages are among the most extensive in the industry. There are no worries about care in dental, optical, and for chronic conditions like allergies and asthma. Our team members rest easier and healthier. Going above and beyond compared to the rest isn’t unusual – The Enviro-Niagara Group operates on 110% Satisfaction. The Ontario Living Wage is met and, with company culture events, is exceeded.”
“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
