Left Field Brewery has announced they are now a certified Ontario Living Wage employer.
Unlike minimum wage, the living wage reflects the financial needs of people to afford the cost of living in their given community. The rate varies between different regions in Ontario, and are constantly being reviewed and updated to accommodate economic changes. Left Field, which is located in the east end of Toronto right off of Greenwood Avenue, has met the criteria for a suitable living wage in their area, currently set at $22.08 per hour.
“Wages make up a considerable portion of our operating costs and so this decision was not one that was taken lightly,” said founders Mandie and Mark Murphy in a press release. “That said, we have always felt that the brewery only succeeds if the people within it are successful and this includes earning wages that support a happy, healthy lifestyle.”
Becoming a living wage employer has always been a goal for the brewery, according to their statement. As a small business, they have been harshly impacted by the pandemic like many others, and watched as "half of our revenue disappeared overnight."
Left Field is the fourth brewery in Ontario’s vibrant beer scene to be certified as a living wage employer, following in the footsteps of Muskoka Brewery, Together We’re Bitter Co-operative Brewing and Concession Road Brewing Co.
Aside from providing a living wage, the brewery is also committed to numerous benefits that makes the experience even better for their employees. This includes a proper work-life balance, health benefits from day one, paid sick days and educational opportunities, a bountiful beer allowance and a transparent and collaborative work environment.
“The living wage movement is about more than just pay, it’s about creating a fair and supportive workplace."
