The Government has once again blown an opportunity to give Kiwi workers on the minimum wage a decent pay rise, says Labour’s Associate spokesperson for Labour Darien Fenton.

“Today was the perfect time for John Key to send a message that in his ‘rock star’ economy, the low paid can expect a fair share.

“He didn’t. Instead he’s singing from the same old National songbook and some 200,000 Kiwi workers will still be taking home less than $15 an hour.

"While salaries at the big end of town might have continued their upward trajectory under this Government, in real terms the minimum wage has actually decreased.

"Labour will lift the minimum wage to $15 an hour in its first 100 days in Government and will continue to raise the minimum wage so that low income workers are rewarded fairly for their work.

“This was a chance to put some much needed income into the pockets of our lowest paid. Once again, however, they are the ones left in the lurch.”

ENDS

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