28 June 2017
Living Wage Wellington Celebrates
Living Wage Wellington, an alliance of faith groups, community organisations and unions, is celebrating today after
Wellington City Council moved closer towards becoming New Zealand's first Living Wage Council.
The Council has voted for an annual plan which includes a commitment to move all directly employed workers and those in
council controlled organisations to the full New Zealand Living Wage rate of $20.20 an hour on 1 July. The commitment
also includes around 60 council security guards and cleaners who are employed via contractors. Other contract workers
will be prioritised in the next steps and WCC will seek formal accreditation as a Living Wage employer in this
triennium.
"Living Wage Wellington has been campaigning for Wellington City Council to adopt the Living Wage for four years", said
Living Wage Wellington spokesperson Paul Barber.
"This is a significant moment in our campaign and we are celebrating for low paid workers and their families and for the
people of Wellington. We want to acknowledge the commitment of the Mayor and councillors. It is a proud moment for our
city."
Paul Barber said the Living Wage policy had been consulted on many times and was overwhelmingly supported by
Wellingtonians.
"The Living Wage is good for workers and their families, good for council as an employer and good for our city" said
Paul Barber.
"Our Mayor and councillors are showing real leadership. We applaud them for their commitment to the Living Wage and
setting an example to other employers."
Paul Barber said Living Wage Wellington was now looking forward to working with WCC to ensure the Living Wage is
extended to the rest of the contracted workers in the council workforce and to secure council's accreditation as New
Zealand's first Living Wage council.
ends