Don Vloet of Dun' for You Contracting says paying employees a living wage, rather than the mandated minimum wage, creates a positive work environment.
Dun' for You Contracting has been providing renovations and home improvements in the Niagara region since 2003, and is now the latest certified living wage employer.
A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living in the community.
In Niagara, that means $17.99 per hour according to the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network, instead of the $14 promised by the provincial minimum wage.
The number of certified living wage employers in Niagara been rising every month, according to Vice-Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network Melenie Neamtz.