Living Wage leaders say ‘just pay it’

Living Wage Week is celebrated with a wave of new accredited employers from across New Zealand. From AMP to Book Twizel, from the commercial private business to non-government and charitable organisations, the Living Wage is achievable for everyone.

“We invited 50 top New Zealand businesses to step up and pay a Living Wage but only AMP became accredited,” says Living Wage Movement convenor Annie Newman.

“The good news is that AMP are proud to be a ‘signpost’ for others, in particular those contracted workers delivering the business services but who are often the lowest paid.”

“I hope that AMP’s accreditation is a useful signpost and will encourage other businesses to do more to empower all New Zealanders to live with dignity and be able to realise the benefits of working hard,” says Blair Vernon, AMP New Zealand’s Managing Director.

“I don’t believe that many businesses have turned their mind towards what their service providers, like cleaning contractors, are actually getting paid. They just think of it as a contract with an entity,” Blair says.

“As an industry we tend to have a lot of those types of arrangements, which is one reason why I believe the financial services industry can take a leadership role in ensuring all Kiwis receive a fair salary, which reflects the real cost of living in New Zealand.”

The new Living Wage Employers to be announced at a Living Wage Week celebration on Wednesday 12-1pm, Kai Pasifika, 3 Mt Eden Rd, Auckland, are:

© Scoop Media