United Way Greater Toronto has again been recognized as an Ontario Living Wage Employer.
The Ontario Living Wage Network, which approved the accreditation, defines living wage “by looking at the real expenses that workers must cover while also enjoying modest participation in their civic and cultural community. It is the hourly wage that employers can pay to be sure that their employees are able to make ends meet.” The rate for the Greater Toronto Area, which includes Peel and York Region, was calculated at $23.15, which is the highest in the province.
UWGT’s CEO Daniele Zanotti explains why this recognition matters: “Across the GTA there has been a tremendous increase in the number of people working full-time, yet struggling to make ends meet. At United Way Greater Toronto, it is our mission to fight poverty. The baseline of a living wage ensures that people can cover their basic needs and have greater financial security and independence. We realize those values in part by ensuring every one of our employees can afford life in the GTA. We also believe it is important to demonstrate leadership in the sector and show both current and prospective employees that their work in building healthy, thriving communities deserves the security and well-being of a living wage.”
About United Way: As the largest non-government funder of community services in the GTA, United Way Greater Toronto reinforces a crucial community safety net to support people living in poverty. United Way’s network of agencies and initiatives in neighbourhoods across Peel, Toronto and York Region works to ensure that everyone has access to the programs and services they need to thrive. Mobilizing community support, United Way’s work is rooted in ground-breaking research, strategic leadership, local advocacy and cross-sectoral partnerships committed to building a more equitable region and lasting solutions to the GTA’s greatest challenges.