20 August 2012

Stats show shocking truth of growing inequality in NZ

The latest Strategic Pay survey results are shocking evidence of growing inequality in New Zealand, the union representing New Zealand’s lowest paid workers said today.

The average base salary for chief executives rose nearly 10% last year to $315,000. The average chief executive increase alone was more than a worker on the minimum wage received in the entire year.

“These stats show yet again that belt-tightening is only a reality for some,” said Service and Food Workers Union National Secretary Ryall.

“For the hard-working New Zealanders slogging their guts out caring and cleaning, wages are too low to put food on the table and pay basic household bills, let alone have a decent quality of life.”

John Ryall said the double standard around pay rates where chief executives were getting richer and richer and ordinary working families are getting poorer and poorer was completely unacceptable.

“Increasingly New Zealanders are uniting around a call for a more equitable society, where all workers receive a living wage. Until the very lowest pay rates are increased, the equity gap will grow and with it, poverty in New Zealand,” he said.

The Service and Food Workers Union, along with over 70 community and faith-based organisations and other unions, is planning a Wellington launch of Living Wage Aotearoa New Zealand in Wellington next week.

“It’s time to end poverty pay rates for good, and the new living wage movement is growing in momentum daily,” he said.

ENDS

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