In Barrie Friday morning, Premier Kathleen Wynne heard from employees like Steve Sutton why a living wage matters.
The Innovative Automation shipper told her what she already knew: that a fair wage helps families live in communities like Barrie.
“Steve knows what it’s like to work at businesses that don’t pay a fair minimum wage,” she said.
Meanwhile, Innovative Automation owner Steve Loftus understands how important it is to treat employees fairly, said Wynne.
“Fairness in the workplace is something we should all strive for. There are companies in Ontario that haven’t made the changes Innovative has,” she said.
Two years ago, Innovative Automation introduced a starting wage of $17 per hour for new full-time hires.
“We’re taking action because we believe everybody should be treated fairly,” said Wynne, as she outlined the provisions of the Fair Workplaces, Better Jobs Act.
Introduced Thursday in the legislature, the proposed law goes out for consultation throughout the summer.
“Real prosperity will not be built on the backs of cheap labour. Government has to step up and take a leading role. We have to work harder than ever. Equal pay for equal work is the essence of fairness,” she said.
The proposed law raises the minimum wage to $14 per hour on Jan. 1, 2018 and to $15 per hour on Jan. 1, 2019. It also requires companies to pay the same wage for any employee – whether full-time, part-time, casual or temp – for doing the same work.
“Innovative supports what the government is trying to do in adjusting the minimum wage,” said Innovative Loftus, whose company employs more than 100.
“At Innovative, we’re a global leader in machine supplies and part of our mission is to lead in the industry and to lead in our community. Leading in our community means we need to offer people wages that enable people to live a quality of life.
“Having fair workplaces, treating people decently and paying a decent wage means people can look after their families and that makes communities strong.”
He added low wages ultimately end up costing us all as the demand for social services rises.
“(The Liberal government) talks to people who have been poverty advocates,” said Wynne,” and they’re looking for a living wage. They know people have one, two or three part-time jobs (and they’re) struggling to earn a living. A fair wage helps people.”
Wynne also said a fair wage benefits employers, who have less staff turnover and more satisfied employees.
