The city will look at phasing in "living wage" pay hikes for 500-plus part-time, casual workers as part of its 2017 budget debate.

The city already pays all of its full-time employees a living wage – the term used to describe the hourly rate necessary to allow a household to meet basic needs. Living Wage Hamilton recently calculated that rate is $15.85 an hour.

But nearly 500 temporary, casual or seasonal workers – such as crossing guards and library pages – are still paid less than that amount. A city report estimates it would cost about $1 million to top up all of those positions to a living wage.

Poverty advocates, academics and even a class of grade school students urged councillors to set an example for all Hamilton employers.

The city has an "immense leadership role" in helping the working poor, said Rev. Bill Mous, who reminded councillors tens of thousands of city residents work but still don't make enough money to "free themselves from the shackles of poverty."

Mayor Fred Eisenberger agreed the city needs to "walk the talk" and "make a real difference" in the lives of its own workers and their families.

There are at least 30 living wage employers in the city now.

Some councillors noted the city is facing a challenging budget debate this year, with staff recently estimating the average tax cut would be close to six per cent without cuts or new revenue next year.

Coun. Matthew Green successfully put forward a motion designed to accommodate those concerns by asking staff to report back during the budget debate with an "incremental" plan to phase in living wage changes for the employees.

Council will formally vote on whether to raise the hourly rate for the almost 500 employees later in the budget debate, likely in January or February.