Workers deserve living wage

Re: “Service sector lost 25,000 jobs in Calgary in a year,” Aug. 14.

I read with interest about the impact of increasing the

minimum wage, as businesses dread the next hike on Oct. 1.

We know that a minimum wage is not enough for an individual or family to meet their basic needs.

We calculate and advocate for a living wage. Currently for Calgary, it is $18.15 per hour, before taxes and statutory benefits.

(Some earn less than this amount, but enjoy a comprehensive employee benefit plan.)

Calgarians making less than this amount depend on a second or third job, family or social services, such as the food bank, to meet their daily needs of housing, transportation and food.

We applaud businesses, such as some members of the Respect for the Earth and All People association, who have reviewed their business models and are paying a living wage, while generating a good bottom line.

What living wage employers have realized is that it is a more sustainable way of running their business, by reducing turnover rates, increasing morale, increasing productivity and enjoying a consistent bottom line.

Franco Savoia, Calgary Franco Savoia is executive director of Vibrant Communities Calgary.