Darien
FENTON
Labour Spokesperson

13 February 2013 MEDIA STATEMENT

Parliament’s cleaners need better support

Parliamentarians need to work together to ensure those who provide cleaning and other services are paid a decent wage and treated more fairly, says Darien Fenton, Labour spokesperson on Labour Issues.

“The story of Parliament cleaner Mareta Sinoti, whose workload has doubled since she started the job, highlights the heightened pressure faced by many workers as employers tighten their belts.

“Workers like Mareta Sinoti are working tirelessly, and being paid a pittance.

“The Minister of Labour should increase the minimum wage to $15 an hour this year so that forgotten, hardworking New Zealanders like Mareta can live a better life.

“I would also encourage the Minister to work with other parties in Parliament to consider what improvements could be made to the wages and conditions for cleaning and catering staff.

“It’s not good enough to say this isn’t our problem and Parliament isn’t the employer.

“Cleaners like Mareta work alongside well paid parliamentarians. We should be setting an example as to how we can treat our poorest paid New Zealanders,” Darien Fenton said.

© Scoop Media

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