Ottawa endorses 'a living wage" for city employees

'During times of economic crisis, campaigns like the Living Wage are all the more important.' - NUPGE president James Clancy.

Ottawa (12 Feb. 2010) - The City of Ottawa has endorsed the idea of paying a living minimum wage of $13.25 an hour, up from the current Ontario minimum wage level of $9.50 an hour.

However, the proposal must clear a number of future obstacles before the city actually raises the pay of any minimum wage workers now on its payroll or before it enforces the new policy on contractors hired by the city.

The proposal was one of 16 recommendations contained in an Ottawa Poverty Reduction Strategy that was approved in a full council vote this week. All but two of the recommendations were adopted unanimously. The remaining two, including the living minimum wage proposal, were passed by a vote of 14-7.

City staff must now prepare a report on how to proceed with the plan. It will not take effect for some time and is dependent on future decisions by council members.

The wage recommendation reads as follows: 

"Develop options for a living wage policy at the City and a consultation plan and report to Community and Protective Services Committee in the spring of 2010."

The overall poverty report is subject to the following instruction by council: 

"Direct staff to report back to Committee and Council with respect to any Poverty Reduction Strategy recommendations by December 2010 that have budget impacts in 2011."

The poverty plan was put forward by the the Ottawa branch of ACORN Canada - the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now, a group that works to improve the lives of low- and moderate-income families, to promote economic justice and to help build stronger communities.

ACORN Canada out in force at Ottawa City Council

ACORN's submission was supported by the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and its largest Component, the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU/NUPGE).

In a letter to ACORN last fall, backing the campaign and providing a financial contribution to assist it, NUPGE national president James Clancy commended the group for its work.

"During times of economic crisis, campaigns like the Living Wage are all the more important," Clancy said.

"Inevitably it is the disadvantaged of Canadian society who will bear the brunt of the crisis. Working people, already feeling the pinch of hard times, need to work together to win measures that will improve wages and benefits for those most impacted," he added.

"We also absolutely agree that municipal governments must play a greater leadership role in improving the quality of life of their citizens and hope that this initiative is embraced by activists across Canada."

ACORN extended its thanks to thousands of Canadians who have come forward to support the campaign.

"These actions have taken different forms," the group says. "Some supporters have sent letters and emails to city council. Others have made donations and others still have braved cold weather to attend rallies and committee meetings."

NUPGE

The National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) is one of Canada's largest labour organizations with over 340,000 members. Our mission is to improve the lives of working families and to build a stronger Canada by ensuring our common wealth is used for the common good. NUPGE

More information:
Ottawa's Poverty Reduction Strategy - Poverty Affects Us All