Hamilton Youth Council urges City Councillors to adopt a living wage at Hamilton City Council

At their June meeting, the Hamilton Youth Council voted unanimously in favour of supporting the proposed $18.40 minimum living wage for all Hamilton City Council employees. The Youth Council encourages the city's elected members to follow suit when deciding on the 4th of July.

The Youth Council took into consideration the practical benefits that would accrue from a living wage, namely, access to a higher standard of living for low-wage employees -particularly those with families to cater for.

"By supporting a living wage, we are also investing in our front line employees and recognising the key role they play in the organisation", says current Youth Council Chairperson Jason Sebestian, who sees the move as being important for addressing wage disparity within Council.

The Youth Council also sees adopting a living wage as an important symbolic move for the Council. It is an opportunity for the Council to be a role model to other organisations throughout the city by practising responsible employment.

The benefit of a living wage will be felt by the city as a whole", says Sebestian, "the alleviation of some of the financial burdens on low-wage employees will mean that they will be better able to deliver on services to the public. Happier council workers will make for a happier city".

ENDS

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