221A is proud to recertify as a Living Wage employer, continuing its long-standing commitment to fair compensation and equitable employment practices.
A living wage calls on employers to “meet a higher standard” for their both staff and major contractors. In Metro Vancouver, a 3% increase has brought the living wage up to $27.85, based on the weighted average of costs, government benefits and taxes for three different household types.
221A was first certified in 2017. Living Wage BC’s advocacy in anti-poverty and economic justice across the province has informed both our organization’s wages and compensation for artists part of the 221A Fellowship Program.
221A was also pleased to announce new policies last year, going beyond the recommendations of unions to include bereavement leave for chosen and extended family, as well as an EI top-up program for staff on short-term disability leave or parental leave.
“Paying a living wage demonstrates respect and care for artists and arts workers, whose continued wellbeing is foundational to our work,” says Associate Director, Afuwa. “At times when when economic conditions challenge our values, 221A feels it’s essential to make artists’ lives livable. We hope more organizations in the arts community will join us in making equitable compensation a collective priority.”
