The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is announcing a new Certified Living Wage Supporter.
Gales Gas Bar will be paying all full time staff at least $17.99 per hour and officials have committed to working toward a plan to pay all part time employees a living wage as well.
Currently, Gales Gas Bars Limited has 15 service stations, four convenience stores, a wholesale fuel delivery, and home heating fuel delivery employing 22 full time and 76 part time staff members.
Owner/Operator Jessica Friesen says the retail gas industry standard is to pay a minimum wage, and Gales saw a need for something more.
"The financial commitment is substantial and must be taken in increments. We are implementing a full benefit package immediately. We are then committed to increasing our frontline employees’ wages at regular increments over the next few years in order to meet Niagara’s calculated Living Wage."
Officials with the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network have dubbed Gales a 'Living Wage Supporter', and Friesen says they are aiming to become a 'Living Wage Champion.'
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network defines the 'certified living wage' as the wage needed to actually survive in Niagara.
The current Ontario minimum wage $14.