Based on data presented by the Prosperity Roundtable, the cost of living in Chatham-Kent is more than what is being given under Ontario's minimum wage.
The local living wage for 2015 had been calculated to incorporate the cost of living for a family of four in Chatham-Kent. The costs take into account amenities such as food, clothing, housing, transportation, child care, etc.
As presented in a release at Tuesday night's public discussion, the local living wage in 2015 for one parent in Chatham-Kent is $15.86 per hour, which adds up to $30,563.50 per year. Ontario's minimum wage is $11.40 per hour, almost $5 less than the local living wage.
In noticing the financial struggles some people face, local employers have joined in supporting the living wage movement.
The Christian Labour Association of Canada is one the organizations that has joined the campaign. Representative Ryan Griffioen says providing employees with living wage benefits both parties.
"There's less absenteeism, higher production, [and] less turn over," says Griffioen. "They're happier in the job that they have which makes them more productive."
The living wage movement has been more popular in the U.S. and the United Kingdom. However, Ontario Living Wage Coordinator Tom Cooper says it's starting to pick up momentum in Ontario.
"We have more than 100 employers across the province who have no committed to living wage," says Cooper, adding nine of them are in Chatham-Kent.
Local employers looking to register as a living wage employer can click here.
