Living Wage Advocacy
What is a Living Wage policy?
A Living Wage policy establishes a requirement for workers to be paid a Living Wage or greater. A Living Wage policy can apply to a jurisdiction, such as a municipality, or it can apply to a single employer, whether in the public or private sector.
Are Living Wage policies popular?
Yes. About 140 U.S. cities have adopted various Living Wage policies. The Greater London Authority, U.K. (London’s municipal employer), pays all of its workers a Living Wage. In Canada, various groups in Calgary, Waterloo, Hamilton and Vancouver are exploring Living Wage policies.
Has The City of Calgary adopted a Living Wage policy?
In January 2007, the City of Calgary, as Calgary’s largest employer, began to consider a Living Wage policy as part of their Sustainable Environmental and Ethical Procurement policy. In April 2008, City Council directed administration to complete a review of the implications of various Living Wage policy options. In March 2009, Administration reported back to The City Standing Policy Committee on Finance and Corporate Services recommending that a Living Wage policy be adopted for all of the City’s regular full-time and part-time staff. On April 6, 2009, City Council voted “no” to a Living Wage policy.
If the City of Calgary adopted a Living Wage policy, who would be impacted?
Presently, over 670 City staff and contractors are being paid less than a Living Wage of $12.25 per hour with benefits ($13.50 without benefits).
Why should the City of Calgary adopt a Living Wage policy?
Nobody should be paid poverty level wages and tax payers don’t want their tax dollars to be used to pay poverty level wages.
What Now?
Calgary’s Living Wage Action Team and Vibrant will consider next steps following the April 6, 2009 decision from City Council. We continue to work and strive for a city where everyone gets paid enough to live.
