Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Most workers see little increase in pay rates
Media release
Most workers see little increase in pay rates
“Despite strong growth in the economy over the last year, the median (middle) pay rate has risen only 1.7 percent – just 0.1 percent in real terms”, says CTU economist Bill Rosenberg. “So for most workers, any increase in income will have come from working longer rather than better pay rates.”
“The average wage recorded in the New Zealand Income Survey rose by 2.7 percent, pushed up by the rise in the minimum wage and more people working full time according to Statistics New Zealand. The proportion of people working full time has not changed from last year however, at 22.7 percent,” Rosenberg said.
“The increase is not primarily because employers are increasing wages but because of the minimum wage mechanism and changes in the kinds of jobs available. Even the average wage rose by only 1.1 percent in real terms.” Rosenberg said.
“Economic growth has now peaked, and there is real concern at the effect of falling dairy prices. It is well past time that wage and salary earners saw their wage rates go up to get a fair share of the growth, rather than just being asked to work harder.” Rosenberg said.
The gender pay gap in the average hourly wage has increased over the year from 12.7 percent to 13.9 percent. It increased in four of the eight occupational groups reported.
ENDS
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Te Kauae Kaimahi
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.
Business Canterbury: Urges Council To Cut Costs, Not Ambition For City
Wellington Airport: On Track For Net Zero Emissions By 2028
Landcare Research: ANZAC Gall Fly Release Promises Natural Solution To Weed Threat
NZ Anti-Vivisection Society: Auckland Rat Lovers Unite!
University of Canterbury: $1.35 Million Grant To Study Lion-like Jumping Spiders
Federated Farmers: Government Ends War On Farming
