2024 living wage for Hamilton is $21.30/hour. That is a 2.4% increase over the previous year.
The Roundtable actively advocates for the City of Hamilton and other public sector entities to implement living wage policies. This involved engaging with decision-makers to emphasize the benefits of a living wage on employee well-being, productivity, and the local economy. HRPR collaborates with stakeholders to develop tailored policies addressing workforce needs. Members of Living Wage Hamilton, including our own representatives, presented details on the new living wage calculation to Hamilton City Councillors on November 18, 2024, during the General Issues Committee pre-budget hearings.
We also coordinated with Hamilton’s Economic Development Department to educate local employers on the advantages of adopting living wage practices, such as improved employee retention and morale. This collaboration included the Department surveying local employers about Living Wage. We discussed developing educational resources and support employers transitioning to living wage policies. By highlighting the positive outcomes associated with fair compensation, HRPR encouraged businesses to invest in their workforce, thereby strengthening the local economy.
Collaboration with the Ontario Living Wage Network (OLWN), we advocated for living wage policies and raised awareness about the disparity between the minimum wage and sustainable living standards. This partnership involved sharing best practices and success stories to inspire other communities to adopt similar initiatives. That a full-time worker in Hamilton needs to earn $21.30 per hour to meet their needs and participate in the community, underscores the importance of our advocacy efforts.