Tauranga City Council disappoints by rejecting Living Wage

Tauranga council’s rejection of a living wage shows that it values its bottom line far more than its staff, the Public Service Association says.

This week, the council voted against paying its staff at least $19.25 an hour, which would cost an estimated $3.2 million a year.

PSA National Secretary Glenn Barclay says he’s deeply disappointed at the decision.

"The Living Wage allows workers and their families to live a decent life, and reflects basic expenses like food, transportation, housing and childcare," says Mr Barclay.

"Newspaper reports frequently mention how the Auckland property boom has reached as far as Tauranga, and house prices and rents are spiralling.

"Tauranga Council’s sending a clear message it doesn’t care about the circumstances its workers live in - it’s just about the bottom line."

Wellington City Council is in the process of implementing the Living Wage, while Porirua City is actively engaging on it.

"Councils need to be aware that adopting the Living Wage isn’t just a PR exercise - it’s the right thing to do.

"The PSA will continue to urge councils to make this commitment to the people who help deliver the services which make their communities great places to live."

ENDS

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