BRACEBRIDGE, ON – Muskoka Brewery has announced that it has partnered with the Poverty Reduction of Muskoka Planning Team (PROMPT) to become Canada’s first brewery to commit to a living wage for its employees.
As described in the press release announcing the initiative:
Different from the minimum wage, a living wage is based on the principle that full time work should provide families a basic level of economic security above the poverty line. The living wage calculation includes the cost of living in the local community and social inclusion. The result is a decent quality of life and the ability to live healthier lives.
Muskoka Brewery will be working with the Canadian Centre of Policy Alternatives‘ Ontario Office and the Ontario Living Wage Network to develop a living wage calculation, which will be announced and implemented this autumn.
“Living Wage is a call to action, and an achievable poverty reduction strategy – one that we are very proud to support,” says Gary McMullen, President and Founder of Muskoka Brewery. “We look forward to working with the community and local government to continue to make positive change here in Muskoka. Muskoka Brewery has been well supported by our local community over the past 20 years. Providing a living wage is our long term commitment to our team, the Muskoka community, and the Ontario Living Wage Network.”