Living Wage for Council is the decent thing to do

Candidates for Council who do not back a living wage for Council staff are out of step with public concern about low wages and growing poverty and inequality says Maungakiekie-Tamaki Auckland Councillor Richard Northey.

The concept of a Living Wage measures what level of income is needed for a basic standard of liveability for a family. The amount calculated for new Zealanders is $18.40 per hour.

“It is just not right that we have people working for Council who earn a poverty wage, “ says Labour Councillor Richard northey.

“council should set the standard for the Auckland Region and I challenge other candidates at this year’s election to either back the proposal or else try living on the minimum wage for a month and see how they like it.”

Richard northey says it is very disappointing that candidates standing under the Communities and residents banner have spoken out against the Living Wage, when someone like British Conservative Party London Mayor  Boris Johnson has backed the proposal in his city.

“No-one should want to see their fellow Aucklanders struggling to get by, put food on the table or pay their power bill. Paying a living wage is the only right and decent thing to do.

If I’m re-elected this year, I’ll work to find ways so we can pay all Council workers a fair wage,” concluded Richard Northey

ENDS

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