
One of United Way’s core values is to help give everyone in the community a fair shot at a good life – to invest in people, programs and policies that reduce and prevent poverty.”
Roxanne Riddell
community impact director, United Way Elgin Middlesex
Organizations committed to paying a living wage benefit not only their employees but their workplaces, communities and corporate bottom lines, advocates say.
During Living Wage Week, United Way reminds employers that paying people a living wage is an all-around win for everyone – and a critical tool to reduce and prevent poverty.
A living wage reflects what people need to cover the real costs of living in their community. With the working poor accounting for 42% of those living in poverty, living-wage employers have made a commitment to make life better for their employees and, by extension, their community.
The London Elgin Oxford living wage for 2023 is $18.85/hour. This figure represents an increase of 4.3% over 2022’s rate of $18.06.
“One of United Way’s core values is to help give everyone in the community a fair shot at a good life – to invest in people, programs and policies that reduce and prevent poverty,” said Roxanne Riddell, United Way’s community impact director.
“That mindset has to include leading by example, and so we committed in 2019 to being a living-wage employer,” she said. “We’re proud to be part of a growing group of diverse employers that, as a matter of justice and good business practice, are committed to paying living wages.”

Shelter, transportation, food, child care and other factors go into calculating the 2023 living wage of $18.85/hour in London Elgin Oxford. (Source: Ontario Living Wage Network)
Paying a living wage also makes good business sense. It’s more than just proof of a corporation’s core values and the company’s support for social justice: a living wage increases retention rates, reduces absenteeism, improves morale and boosts productivity. And increasing the spending power of families stimulates the local economy.
About 55 employers in London, St. Thomas and Elgin and Middlesex counties are certified living-wage employers.
The living-wage amount, reviewed annually, reflects how much a worker must earn per hour in order to make ends meet and enjoy modest participation in civic and cultural life.
The calculations are based on region-specific expenses including food, shelter, clothing, transportation, medical expenses, communications and childcare costs. They also take into account expenses for three types of households: two adults supporting two small children, a single parent, and a single adult. The results are weighed in with applicable government taxes, transfers, and benefits and then aggregated to come up with an hourly wage.
If you are interested in becoming a Certified Living Wage Employer, please contact the Ontario Living Wage Network by visiting their website: https://www.ontariolivingwage.ca/certify
Topics : News, Opportunity