By Anne Finlay-Stewart

Precarious work can mean working without a dependable schedule, receiving no sick pay, working more than one job to make ends meet, and making less than a living wage for all of that.

The Precarious Work Group of Peace and Justice Grey Bruce formed to look into the effect this kind of employment was having on their neighbours. Their final report released this week , paints a grim picture of the work life of many local residents. who are themselves a reflection of a bigger reality.

It is not news.

Grey Bruce Medical Officer of Health Dr. Hazel Lynn has seen the mental and physical health impacts of poverty in our region, and welcomes the report. "This thoroughly researched Report includes the recognition that lower income from under unemployment or no employment challenges the ability to provide basic necessities."

Jill Umbach, chair of the Bruce Grey Poverty Task Force, says they have noted an increase over the past few years of families who survive on part-time, casual or seasonal employment. In a 2013 survey of people living in poverty, she says "they told us the most important thing they needed was a living wage."

So the Precarious Work Group is taking that message to local municipal councils. With chapter and verse from the Ontario Municipal Act, the group affirms municipalities' authority and responsibility to act on the issue and cites both US and Canadian precedents.

Owen Sound Council heard the fiscal case for a local living wage policy. "You are saving money in the public purse when people are out of poverty and can pay their own share," said spokesperson David McLaren. "We don't need more things for the middle class, but more people IN the middle class," he emphasized.

McLaren brought four recommendations to the council:

1. That council adopt a Living Wage Policy for its employees and those who do physical work on its properties, this wage to be tied to the United Way's calculation which is currently $14.77 per hour in Owen Sound.

2. That council direct staff to report on the impact of implementing a Living Wage Policy for services contracted by the municipality.

3. That council strike a task force with other municipalities in the region to develop a creative and innovative economy.

4. That council strike a committee to examine affordable housing options.

After some thoughtful discussion, Councillor Thomas moved to ask staff to prepare a report on recommendations one and two – essentially, are city staff and contractors being paid a living wage, and if not, what would be the impact if they were?

The motion passed.

Trent Gow, a professional pubic policy advisor who has worked for the federal government and the banking industry and does commentaries on our local radio, had this final word on the Final Report of the Precarious Work Group.

"In my view, it is essential that local community and private sector groups and governments put aside their differences and work collaboratively and effectively to address this epidemic. Time is of the essence."

The Final Report of the Precarious Work Group of Peace and Justice Grey Bruce is now online at http://tiffanyweb.bmts.com/~gbpeace/FinalReportPrecWrkGrP&J-Append.pdf.

Anne Finlay-Stewart is Community Editor of Owensoundhub.org. She can be reached at annekfs@gmail.com.