Living Wage Progress at SFU

Simon Fraser University continues to implement a living wage for employees who regularly work on our three campuses, whether they are employed directly by the university or by third-party contractors. 

Throughout 2024, SFU worked with its contract service providers to negotiate contracts that bring food service, housekeeping and security workers to a living wage.

As part of the living wage program for employees of contracted service providers, SFU offers a tuition waiver program for eligible workers and their families for employee groups who agreed to this benefit. The living wage program also includes a number of other on-site benefits for contract workers including access to recreation and fitness facilities, library borrowing privileges and priority access to on-site childcare at Burnaby campus through the SFU Childcare Society. These benefits are consistent with those available to SFU employees. 

The living wage takes into account the total compensation package including wages and the value of non-mandatory benefits such as paid sick leave, vacation leave, education benefits and extended health and dental coverage. As outlined by Living Wages for Families BC, employer-paid benefits reduce out-of-pocket costs for families, which reduces the hourly rate needed to meet family expenses.