Hone Harawira
MANA Leader
9th February 2012
Minimum wage an insult
“When John Key says lifting the minimum wage too much might cost jobs, all he’s doing is pandering to his rich mates in
the Employer’s Federation” said MANA leader Hone Harawira.
"Treasury say that raising the minimum wage doesn’t cost jobs, yet government refuses to offer more than a pathetic 50c
which will do nothing to offset the massive rise in the cost of living.”
“Food, petrol, electricity - their prices are going up 5, 6, 7% per year – but wages are only going up 50c. No wonder
New Zealanders are flooding across the ditch for Australia.”
“The way to stop that flood is simple - pay the same minimum wage as they’re paying – nearly $20 an hour, not the
pathetic $13.50 John Key is offering.”
“And don’t believe the line that government is trotting out about how low wages are good to get young people into jobs
either. Young people aren’t dumb. As soon as they can scrape a fare together, they’re following their big brothers and
sisters across the ditch as well”.
ENDS