Tattersall, Brown & Lacas Inc.: Certified Living Wage Employer
The Niagara Poverty Reduction Network is pleased to announce that Tattersall, Brown & Lacas Inc. has become a certified living wage employer at the Champion level.
St. Catharines-based Tattersall, Brown & Lacas Inc. is a home renovation and general repair business specializing in tiling, flooring, drywall, mudding, and millwork. They currently employ three full time staff, two part time staff, and one trainee.
“After graduating University, I was excited about the limitless potential of what I could and would become. My first paid position was approximately $8.50 an hour and though I enjoyed the work, I was hard pressed to pay my rent each month. Groceries (having enough of them) was a constant struggle and entertainment… well that was a pipe dream,” says Trevor Acott, Owner, reader, I followed constant news stories of people working very hard and struggling to pay for housing and Tattersall, Brown & Lacas Inc. “
Being an avid news reader, I followed constant news stories of people working very hard and struggling to pay for housing and food. When I started my company two years ago, I knew that I wanted employees and that those employees should not have to worry about having enough money to live, eat or get to work every day.
The living wage is a great starting point, to ensure I attract great talent and retain that talent as well. I believe that we all win by providing a healthy and happy working environment.” The living wage is a great starting point, to ensure I attract great talent and retain that talent as well. I believe that we all win by providing a healthy and happy working environment.”
“We are encouraged by the many local employers who recognize the value and benefits of paying at least a living wage. Paying a living wage takes direct action to tackle poverty and to help people afford their cost of living expenses,” says Aidan Johnson, Chair of the Niagara Poverty Reduction Network.
A living wage reflects what earners need to be paid based on the actual costs of living and being included in the community. A living wage is not the same as the legislated minimum wage. It is a voluntary commitment that employers can make to compensate directly-employed and contract-employed full-time and part-time workers. The 2019 living wage for Niagara region has been calculated to be $18.12/hour. If an employer’s total compensation package includes benefits such as dental and prescription drugs, the living wage can be lowered by at least $1.00/hour.
Learn more about Niagara’s living wage at www.wipeoutpoverty.ca. Niagara-area employers interested in becoming living wage certified can contact the Ontario Living Wage Network for more information at www.ontariolivingwage.ca
