First certified Living Wage menstrual products manufacturer and retailer in Canada

Aisle International (formerly Lunapads) is the first menstrual product manufacturer and retailer in Canada to signify its commitment to ending working poverty, by paying all its staff and contracted workers a Living Wage. 

Aisle, whose products include washable cloth pads, period underwear and menstrual cups, is one of the first companies in the world to commercialize reusable menstrual products, today a thriving industry.

The living wage is the hourly amount a family needs to cover basic expenses. The calculation is based on a two-parent family with two children – the most common family unit in BC – with each parent working full-time. The Living Wage for Metro-Vancouver is $19.50 an hour.

“Being a Living Wage employer is aligned with our other core values of sustainability and social inclusion. Being a Founding Canadian B Corp (a global standard for socially responsible business practice), also reflects this. We hope that other employers in our sector follow our lead to be as ethical in their business practices as our products are,” said Madeleine Shaw, Aisle’s co-founder and Director of Partnership and Impact.

Certifying as a Living Wage Employer is a voluntary commitment employers make to invest in their communities and local economies. There are over 250 Living Wage Employers in BC, with over 30,000 employees who don’t need to worry about how they will afford rent, food and other essentials for their family because they are guaranteed to earn a Living Wage.

“We’re delighted that Aisle International has become a Living Wage Employer. Paying a Living Wage is good for the employer and the employee. Low wage workers are more likely to spend their money locally, and so a commitment to a Living Wage flows through to the local community.” said Anastasia French, Living Wage for Families BC.