28 June 2017

Living Wage Wellington Celebrates

Living Wage Wellington, an alliance of faith groups, community organisations and unions, is celebrating today after Wellington City Council moved closer towards becoming New Zealand's first Living Wage Council.

The Council has voted for an annual plan which includes a commitment to move all directly employed workers and those in council controlled organisations to the full New Zealand Living Wage rate of $20.20 an hour on 1 July. The commitment also includes around 60 council security guards and cleaners who are employed via contractors. Other contract workers will be prioritised in the next steps and WCC will seek formal accreditation as a Living Wage employer in this triennium.

"Living Wage Wellington has been campaigning for Wellington City Council to adopt the Living Wage for four years", said Living Wage Wellington spokesperson Paul Barber.

"This is a significant moment in our campaign and we are celebrating for low paid workers and their families and for the people of Wellington. We want to acknowledge the commitment of the Mayor and councillors. It is a proud moment for our city."

Paul Barber said the Living Wage policy had been consulted on many times and was overwhelmingly supported by Wellingtonians.

"The Living Wage is good for workers and their families, good for council as an employer and good for our city" said Paul Barber.

"Our Mayor and councillors are showing real leadership. We applaud them for their commitment to the Living Wage and setting an example to other employers."

Paul Barber said Living Wage Wellington was now looking forward to working with WCC to ensure the Living Wage is extended to the rest of the contracted workers in the council workforce and to secure council's accreditation as New Zealand's first Living Wage council.

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