Living wage increased by 9.3%

The estimated hourly wage required to maintain a standard of living in Windsor has increased by 9.3 per cent.

The new living wage rate for 2022 is now set at $18.15 an hour, up from the 2021 rate of $16.60 and much higher than the provincial minimum wage of $15.50.

Thirty-five workplaces are part of the Living Wage program and have committed to paying employees no less than the rate of pay established by the Health Unit.

The Windsor-Essex County Health Unit runs the Living Wage program and sets the rate each year based on someone’s expected costs for shelter, transportation, food and other factors. The health agency said income inequity contributes to poor health outcomes.