The CTU welcomes the increase in the average wage by 4.2% over the year.
The increase in the Labour Cost Index by 2.4% over the year is a record since 2009, and a third higher than it would
have been without the minimum wage increase and collective pay settlements such as those won by teachers and nurses.
"The broad picture is a good one and a result of collective bargaining, minimum wage increases and better labour law,"
CTU President, Richard Wagstaff said.
"If we are to turn this result into an ongoing trend we need a sustained shift to meet the needs of lower and middle
income Kiwis. To do that we need a gear shift to make the structural changes needed to improve work lives for Kiwis.
This means the introduction of Fair Pay Agreements."
"Fair Pay Agreements would allow for a more transparent and equitable framework. The Labour Market statistics could
paint a brighter future for all Kiwis with the passing of good Fair Pay Agreement law," Wagstaff said.
ENDS