There is a myth that the “high turnover, low pay” model is the secret to success in business. But many of us see things differently. We know from experience that a commitment to decent work makes good economic sense. We’re speaking out and helping show other business owners how to invest in employees.
Help for small businesses during COVID-19
For business facing layoffs and/or a cash flow crunch.
Why do we charge what we do?
A Toronto clothing store owner on the factors involved in pricing and shopping choices.
“I have always wanted to create a place to work that treats people better than I felt that I was treated when I was younger.” – Mike from Gardenzilla
Landscape company owner talks about why he chooses decent work for his employees.
The government is ignoring the economic toll of Ontario’s precarious work situation
Vic Fedeli, Minister of Economic Development, Job Creation and Trade boasts about job numbers after big cuts to workers' rights last year.
Olivia Go from Tosho Knife Arts, Toronto: why her business mindset changed after having a baby
How and why her business mindset changed to fearlessly embracing decent work practices.
Are people more likely to shop at decent work businesses?
Given the choice, many prefer to shop at places they know support employee rights.
Business Benefits of Decent Work Practices
We explain the concrete benefits our business members experience by offering decent work to employees. Share with friends to help them learn more about our business network!
Unpaid work and cheating via “independent contractors” needs to stop
With less enforcement of employment standards, a greater number of employers are able to get away with breaking the law, and it's bad for business.
Better Way Alliance decent work Employment Standards poster
Download your free copy for the workplace
Business group: a $15/hour federal minimum wage would set the right tone for the provinces
How creating a liveable minimum wage can foster business growth, improve local economies, and reduce inequality.
Business network: Pay equity is not red tape. We are all better off with pay transparency.
A submission to the Ministry of Labour for the business consultation on pay transparency
What is a social enterprise and how does it relate to decent work?
Decent work businesses and social enterprises may have a lot in common.
“If everybody is paid a fair wage, there’s more money in the local economy.” – Dipesh from Canary & Fox
Canary & Fox is a neighbourhood grocery store in Baby Point, Toronto.
Sam from Broad Lingerie, Toronto: why happy employees are good for clientele
"Both groups of people have a better experience."
Employment agency for dental offices focuses on fair practices
How experience in precarious work led Terri to create an employment agency with decent work standards.
Time to throw decent work businesses a bone!
This year, ask “decent work” businesses to help Santa Claus!
The jolly fella needs your assistance.
Going beyond the scarcity mindset when calculating labour (people) costs
It's time to think outside the box.
What is decent work and how does my business fit in?
Read this to see if your business would qualify and how to start thinking about decent work as a business owner.
“I totally trust my staff” – HotBlack Coffee, Toronto
Speak for yourselves: big business lobbies don’t represent the views of most small businesses
A post by Chris and Pete Neal of Ontario-based company Neal Brothers Foods.
Workers’ rights do not kill jobs: how to do the right thing and profit at the same time
A submission to the Ontario Standing Committee on Finance and Economic Affairs
Hungry or Homeless
Will the rights workers have recently gained – paid emergency leave, fairer scheduling, equal pay for part-time and full-time workers doing the same job – be wiped out?
I just took two paid sick days while fighting for paid sick days
The irony isn't lost on me.
Businesses shun move to roll back workers’ rights, opting for the high road
A statement from the Ontario Living Wage Network and the Better Way Alliance
“Work should help you rise out of poverty, not keep you there” – Kitchener, Cambridge, Guelph
A popular Etobicoke restaurant is supporting the $15 minimum wage increase – why not listen to diverse voices on Bill 148?
Owner Mahamad Elmi of Istar Restaurant supports Bill 148.
“Why not be a happy place?” – Knifewear, Ottawa
Why minimum wage matters even if you make or pay more than $15/hour
Most business owners may wonder: what does this have to do with me?
“It really does pay off” – Bread By Us, Ottawa
These are our decent work champions - businesses who invest in employees and support a $15 minimum wage. Going against the classic business narrative and creating good jobs in our communities.
Menno Martin, St. Jacob’s
Trent Bauman on how decent wages contribute to long-term viability
Fivewalls Realty, Guelph
Paul Hayman breaks down the cost-savings of paid sick days
Grosche, Cambridge & Guelph
Helmi Ansari on why staff engagement is a critical part of a business’ success
Muskoka Brewery, Bracebridge
Gary McMullen & Kelly Watson on growing local economies through decent work
Pre-Line Processing, Lincoln
Damin Starr shares his company’s transition from a temp workforce to a permanent one
ABC Day Nursery, Windsor
Anna Makaric on the fair treatment of ECE workers as the foundation of childcare
American Income Life, Canada
Daryl Barnett on the interconnection between incomes and local spending
Tango Creative Group, Windsor
Shane Potvin discusses investment in the workforce as a path to exceptional creative work