Becoming a Living Wage Employer

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Update May 2, 2024 : While all Left Field Brewery employees continue to earn a living wage based on their total compensation package (base + tips + paid sick and emergency leave + group benefits + health care spending account), the company is no longer an Ontario Living Wage Network certified employer.

We’re proud to announce that Left Field Brewery has become the fourth certified Living Wage brewery in Ontario, joining Muskoka Brewery, Together We’re Bitter Co-operative Brewing and Concession Road Brewing Co.

Different from the minimum wage, the living wage reflects what people need to earn to cover the actual costs of living in and participating in their community. This differs from city to city and the Ontario Living Wage Network uses region-specific data to establish living wage rates which are reviewed and adjusted regularly. Becoming a certified Living Wage employer means that we commit to adjusting our own wages to keep-up with the actual cost of living in Toronto, which is currently set at $22.08 per hour by the Ontario Living Wage Network.

Wages make up a considerable portion of our operating costs and so this decision was not one that was taken lightly. 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 been a long term goal for the brewery and the pandemic only further emphasized its importance. Like many small businesses, our industry was turned upside down and we were forced to pivot quickly when more than half of our revenue disappeared overnight. Survival came only as a result of the hard work of our team, the unwavering support of the community and the good fortune of being deemed an “essential” business. 

The living wage movement is about more than just pay, it’s about creating a fair and supportive workplace. For us this has meant committing to work-life balance, health benefits on day one, paid sick days, paid educational opportunities, a generous beer allowance and a transparent and collaborative work environment.

Many of you have asked how you can show your appreciation for our team through tipping. While never expected, tips are always appreciated and will be accepted both in-store and online. Tips at Left Field are pooled brewery-wide in recognition that all team members play a role in taking a beer from concept to glass and in creating a safe and welcoming environment for our guests. 

Questions or feedback? We’d love to hear from you – get in touch!

Cheers,
Mandie & Mark Murphy