16 June 2016

Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand welcomes the Government’s announcement on the Living Wage for core public services.

“It’s fantastic news that the Government is honouring its commitment to public servants to make sure no one is earning less than the Living Wage,” says Annie Newman, Convenor of Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand.

“As we know, that is the amount they need to live a decent life.”

“This is an important step towards implementing the coalition Government’s wider policy commitment to fixing low wages for people directly or indirectly working for the public.”

However, Annie says there’s more work to be done because low-paid Government contracted workers also need the Living Wage.

“It’s essential now to boost the wages for the workers employed by contractors, who are often the lowest paid workers in the country. They are doing jobs like cleaning and providing security services across the public service so in effect they, too, are public servants. Yet they’re not included in this package.

“What we are really looking forward to seeing is the next step for the Government, where they make a stand and pay all of the workers, contracted workers included, no less than the Living Wage.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media