Gales certified as living wage employer

Gales Gas Bars Ltd. is the latest Niagara company to become a certified living wage employer.

The certification, recognized by Niagara Poverty Reduction Network, means all full-time Gales staff are paid at least Niagara’s calculated living wage of $17.99 an hour. The company has said it will also implement a plan to pay part-time workers the same wage.

Gales employs 22 full-time and 76 part-time staff. The company operates 15 service stations and four convenience stores across the region.

Ontario’s current minimum wage is $14 an hour.

Gales owner/operator Jessica Friesen says the financial commitment of a living wage is “substantial” for the company, and will be implemented in increments. A full benefit package starts immediately, with an increase in frontline employees’ wage at regular increments over the next few years in order to match Niagara’s calculated living wage.

“We are proud to be a living wage supporter, and are aiming to become a living wage champion.”

Glen Walker, chairman of Niagara Poverty Reduction Network, says employers have the option to phase in the implementation of a living wage over time.

“Employers recognized at the Supporter level pay fulltime staff at least the living wage and have committed to raise the wages of their parttime workers.”

A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual cost of living and being included in the community. It is a voluntary commitment for each employer.

If an employer’s total compensation package includes benefits (dental, prescription drugs, etc.), the living wage can be lowered by about $1.50 an hour.

For more info on Niagara’s living wage, visit www.wipeoutpoverty.ca.