City of Brooks Recognizes their First Living Wage Employer
Brooks – After establishing a Living Wage unique to our community, the City of Brooks is happy to announce that Newell Housing Foundation has officially become a certified Living Wage Employer. This is the first employer to receive certification in the City of Brooks.
To be recognized as a certified living wage employer, a business or organization needs to pay its direct staff and indirect contract staff at least the living wage for Brooks ($19.05 per hour). Employers may offset the living wage rate by providing benefits that offset living costs, such as health care plans. For the purpose of qualifying for a living wage, an employee/contractor is considered as someone who works a minimum of 120 hours/year for your organization.
Paying employees a living wage allows them and their families to meet their basic needs and contribute to their communities. Employers will find themselves better able to retain loyal, dedicated workers which lowers recruitment and training costs. Being a living wage employer also increases an organization’s standing in the community and helps build a strong local economy and healthy community.
The Newell Housing Foundation has 83 employees, making it on of the larger Living Wage Employers in Alberta. They have committed to paying all of their staff the living wage, including paid benefits and time off – truly going above and beyond for the employees. They will be displaying the Living Wage Employer decal in their window to help spread the word.
“We’re so proud to receive this certification and make this commitment to our staff. We have noticed a low staff turnover rate, higher productivity, a better team environment and a happier staff as we are paying the higher wages. Our staff know that we care about them and in turn they care about the job they are performing,” says Sasha Loewen, Chief Administrative Officer for the Newell Housing Foundation.
Ryan Lacanilao, the Coordinator and Economist for the Alberta Living Wage Network, states that “the ripple effects of a living wage are far reaching and profound. When workers make the living wage for their community, they have less stress and can afford healthier food and recreation, easing the strain on the health care system and community services. They have more time to spend with loved ones and are more likely to plant roots. Spending increases, especially at small businesses, which stimulates the local economy. A living wage is key to a vibrant, sustainable community. We’re thrilled that Newell Housing Foundation has certified as a Living Wage Employer, affirming their commitment to the community and demonstrating why Brooks is a great place to live and thrive.”
For immediate release February 13th, 2024
“It’s so exciting to see local organizations getting on board with poverty reduction strategies such as the living wage network. We’re proud to recognize the Newell Housing Foundation as our first certified Living Wage Employer and hope to see more businesses and organizations step up,” says Mayor John Petrie, Mayor of the City of Brooks.
A living wage reflects what two working adults supporting two children need to earn to cover their basic expenses, after government transfers and deductions. It is calculated using the actual costs of living for each participating community. The City of Brooks became a member of the Alberta Living Wage Network in 2023 and uses the living wage to help reduce poverty in our community.
For more information about Brooks’ living wage or how to become a certified Living Wage Employer, please contact:
Lisa Tiffin
Manager, Community Development 403-362-3333
ltiffin@brooks.ca