Living Wage Movement welcomes big step forward for Christchurch City Council

Today Councillors in Christchurch took the historic step of voting in favour of moving all their directly employed staff to the current Living Wage rate of 20:20 per hour. This follows the election of a number of councillors on a pledge to support the Living Wage during local body elections last year.

Annie Newman Living Wage Movement Convenor says “this decision by the council sends a powerful message, that getting best value for services does not simply meaning paying the lowest wages you can get away with. It demonstrates that Christchurch understands the value of paying Living Wages to working people. This has been a big year for the Living Wage in New Zealand, with Auckland Council moving towards it for directly employed staff, and Wellington City Council bringing the Living Wage in for directly employed and contracted staff. It’s fantastic that our elected bodies are showing leadership on this issue.”

Annie goes on to say, “This is not just about council staff in Christchurch, the experience elsewhere shows us that were big employers take a lead, others follow. We fully expect to see a growth in Living Wage employers in and around Christchurch, as others see it is not only affordable but it’s the right thing to do.”

Sue Molloy who works locally says “It means to me that CCC can lead the way for fairer wages and better lives for Cantabrians one employer at a time. Go the Living Wage!”

The council voted 14 in favour and 2 against today to fully adopt the current living wage as per the implementation process contained within the staff report. Further amendments also required reports to be undertaken to investigate the cost to of implementing a living wage for CCC holding companies and contractors via the procurement process.

© Scoop Media