Manitoba’s living wage is $19.21 – above minimum wage: data

As the cost of living continues to climb, a Winnipeg think tank says minimum wage isn’t keeping up and the living wage for Manitoba has now jumped to more than $19.

The figure of $19.21 was released Tuesday by the Canadian Centre for Policy Alternatives, alongside a call for the Government of Manitoba to increase the minimum wage currently standing at $15.30.

The “Living Wage” — which varies slightly from municipality to municipality in Manitoba — is calculated based on a four-person household with two children, where both parents work full-time.

Jesse Hajer, who did the work behind the calculations, says while this covers the basics, it still falls short in terms of saving for retirement, paying down credit card debt, or caring for an ill loved one. 

“Inflation has hit Manitobans in their pocketbooks,” said Hajer. 

The paper detailing the $0.87 increase compared to last year found while $10 a day childcare, introduced through an inter-governmental program, has addressed some of the increases, child-care spaces in the province are limited and the program won’t help everyone.

Present at the report reveal was Assiniboine Credit Union, which recently started offering its employees a living wage. Now, the union that represents city employees is calling on the City of Winnipeg to do the same. 

“We need to see employers lead by example and employers, such as the City of Winnipeg — which are paying poverty wages, as opposed to living wages — need to step up to the plate,” said Gord Delbridge, CUPE 500 president, at the press conference.

Delbridge says now, more than ever, a living wage is needed.

“Many workers are accessing food banks at levels like we’ve never seen before, many of these workers so happen to be City of Winnipeg employees and people who are providing city services for the citizens of Winnipeg.”

In a statement to CityNews, Manitoba Minister of Labour Malaya Marcelino said the new NDP government is working to address the rising cost of living for Manitobans.

“We know that Manitobans are feeling the pinch of rising costs and our government is making life more affordable by saving Manitobans 14 cents per litre at the pumps starting January 1st,” said Marcelino. “Our government is working hard to reset the relationship with workers and we support efforts to help Manitobans get paid a fair wage.”