Youth rates show Government's failure on jobs

The National Government’s passage of the Starting Out Wage bill tonight will cut the incomes of thousands of young New Zealanders and their families, says the Same Work Same Pay campaign.

The Starting Out Wage will cut the minimum wage of 16 - 17 year olds going into any new job, and 18-19 year olds going into a job after being on a benefit for six months or longer.

Campaign spokesperson James Sleep says the Bill is a sign of the Government’s failure to create jobs for young people.

“The Government has delivered a smack in the face to thousands of young people tonight. We’re calling out for jobs and opportunities and their only answer has been to take away our rights and reduce our pay.

“The reality is cutting the minimum wage won’t create jobs, but for young people who live away from home or help their families with household bills it will cause genuine hardship.

“Even this Government accepts that the current minimum wage of $13.50 an hour isn’t enough to live on. How do they expect people to get by on $10.80?

“This bill is a testament to National’s economic failure. There are now 90,000 young people out of work, education and training – up 10,000 from 2012 – and the Government is placing the burden of its failure on the shoulders of young people.

“Young people are becoming increasingly disillusioned with the National Government as it shows just how out of touch with reality it’s become."

“Youth unemployment in this country is a scandal. We urgently need a Government that will create jobs and provide decent training opportunities for young New Zealanders”.

Same Work Same Pay is a coalition of groups opposing the introduction of a Starting Out Wage. This includes the New Zealand Council of Trade Unions youth sector Stand UP, the NZ Union of Student Associations, Young Greens, Young Labour, the Service and Food Workers Union, First Union and the Public Service Association youth sector (PSAY).

ENDS

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