YVR and Living Wage for Families BC to host Living Wage Seminars for employers

Vancouver International Airport (YVR) announced today that in collaboration with Living Wages for Families BC, beginning in May, it will be hosting a series of Living Wage Seminars for employers operating on Sea Island.   

In 2022 YVR became the first airport in Canada certified as a Living Wage Employer, meaning the Airport Authority pays all of its more than 900 direct employees at or above the Living Wage for Metro Vancouver as established by Living Wages for Families BC.  Companies that provide direct contracted services to the Airport Authority in support of operations and maintenance, such as janitorial, landscaping and traffic management, are also required to pay a living wage to their employees at the airport. 

Overall, numerous additional businesses and organizations operate across the airport and Sea Island. Deciding to pursue a living wage is solely up to each employer to determine on its own. The purpose of the seminars will be to outline the approach and methodology of the Living Wage calculation, a process that takes into account the total compensation package, including hourly wage and benefits.

“We are proud to be a Living Wage Employer. Paying a living wage builds wealth into our community and removes barriers to hiring and retaining workers. At this time, when the cost of living in Metro Vancouver is top of mind, we look forward to engaging businesses on the journey to implement a living wage and how it can create a more rewarding work environment,” said Tamara Vrooman, President & CEO at YVR.

“We are very happy to be partnering with YVR to reach out to the business community operating across the airport and Sea Island. To date in Metro Vancouver, over 400 organizations have been certified Living Wage Employers. Paying a Living Wage is an investment in the long-term prosperity of the economy, and supporting the ongoing development of a skilled and engaged work force,” said Anastasia French, Provincial Manager at Living Wage for Families BC.

“As the union representing Vancouver Airport Authority employees, last year we successfully negotiated a new four-year collective bargaining agreement that is the first of its kind in Canada. That was a testament to the trusted and collaborative relationship between the Local and the employer, to build upon a great foundation and continue to make improvements to the agreement for our members, including ensuring continued support for Living Wage,” said Devin Glass, President at PSAC, Local 20221.

The seminars will begin in mid-May. Further details will be provided as meeting times are established. Employers who are interested may contact livingwage@yvr.ca.