Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
Work smarter with a Pro licence Learn More
Parliament

Gordon Campbell | Parliament TV | Parliament Today | Video | Questions Of the Day | Search

 

Green Party Supports Living Wage

February 14 2013

Green Party Supports Living Wage

The Green Party is calling on the Government to follow the lead of conservative politicians like London Mayor Boris Johnson and adopt a living wage for all Government employees and contractors.

The launch today of a campaign for employers to sign up to a living wage of $18.40 for their employees is supported by the Green Party who believes central and local Government and profitable employers should be the first to sign up.

“The Government can use its power as a large employer to make a radical improvement to the lives of thousands of low paid employees and contractors by guaranteeing them a living wage,” said Green Party Co-leader Metiria Turei.

“A true living wage gives low paid New Zealanders the opportunity to lead a good life and offers them and their family a shot at a fair future.

“This issue is not a left versus right one. The conservative Mayor of London Boris Johnson has championed the living wage and British Prime Minister David Cameron has also voiced support.

“It is unethical that any person working for the Government earns less than the minimum required to live a basic existence.

“It is time for John Key to offer low paid Government workers and their families a truly brighter future.

“A living wage makes economic sense. It reduces the need for other Government transfers and empowers workers.

“A living wage will help to close the wage gap with Australia and can help stop the exodus of Kiwis looking for better wages overseas.

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading

Are you getting our free newsletter?

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.

“A living wage is achievable, for the Government and profitable employers it is simply a matter of priority and choice.

“Many Chief Executives in the public sector earn salaries of more than $300,000 while those that clean and maintain their buildings subsist on the minimum wage. We can pay decent wages when we choose to.

“This issue should not be characterised as a choice between wages and jobs. Profitable employers could sign up today without having to cut a single job.

“Many employers, such as those in the banking sector, are currently making good profits, yet their cleaners would earn less than a living wage.

“Profitable employers, especially those who send big dividends offshore each year, need to make a bigger commitment to New Zealand and local workers by signing up to a living wage now.”

ENDS

© Scoop Media

Advertisement - scroll to continue reading
 
 
 
Parliament Headlines | Politics Headlines | Regional Headlines



Gordon Campbell: On Dune 2, And Images Of Islam


Depictions of Islam in Western popular culture have rarely been positive, even before 9/11. Five years on from the mosque shootings, this is one of the cultural headwinds that the Muslim community has to battle against. Whatever messages of tolerance and inclusion are offered in daylight, much of our culture tends to be hostile to Islam when we’re sitting in the dark, with popcorn.
Any number of movie examples come to mind, beginning with Rudolf Valentino’s role (over a century ago) as the romantic Arab hero in The Sheik...
More


 
 


Government: One-stop Shop Major Projects On The Fast Track

The Coalition Government’s new one-stop-shop fast track consenting regime for regional and national projects of significance will cut red tape and make it easier for New Zealand to build the infrastructure and major projects needed to get the country moving again... More

ALSO:


Government: GPS 2024: Over $20 Billion To Get Transport Back On Track
Transport Minister Simeon Brown has released the draft Government Policy Statement (GPS) on Land Transport, outlining the Coalition Government’s plan to build and maintain a transport system that enables people to get to where they need to go quickly and safely... More

ALSO:

Government: Humanitarian Support For Gaza & West Bank

Winston Peters has announced NZ is providing a further $5M to respond to the extreme humanitarian need in Gaza and the West Bank. “The impact of the Israel-Hamas conflict on civilians is absolutely appalling," he said... More


Government: New High Court Judge Appointed

Judith Collins has announced the appointment of Wellington Barrister Jason Scott McHerron as a High Court Judge. Justice McHerron graduated from the University of Otago with a BA in English Literature in 1994 and an LLB in 1996... More

 
 
 
 
 
 

LATEST HEADLINES

  • PARLIAMENT
  • POLITICS
  • REGIONAL
 
 

InfoPages News Channels


 
 
 
 

Join Our Free Newsletter

Subscribe to Scoop’s 'The Catch Up' our free weekly newsletter sent to your inbox every Monday with stories from across our network.