Workers at Resene Paints are taking their fight for a Living Wage to the community this coming week with a Weekend of Action aimed at encouraging the public to get behind them and support their campaign.

Activities will include encouraging fans at this Saturday's Resene-sponsored Hurricanes vs Chiefs game to support Resene workers. Workers and community members backing the campaign will engage with fans to build support and highlight the frustration that, while Resene is willing to spend on publicity and sponsorship, it does not pay many of its staff a Living Wage.

The Wellington-based, family-owned paint business, Resene, operates a manufacturing plant in Naenae, and with more than 60 stores throughout Australia and New Zealand, employs around 650 staff, all on individual pay agreements, and a large number paid below the Living Wage.

Resene worker and Et ū delegate Margaret Jackson, says that for many Resene workers this means having to work overtime just to make ends meet.

“They’re having to work long hours away from their families, and this not only puts pressure on those families, but also means workers are unable to fully participate in their communities,” Jackson says.

At Sunday’s game, Hurricanes fans will be invited to take photos in ‘Living Wage for Resene’ photo frames, sign a petition to Resene, and encourage their club to join the campaign to ensure workers at Resene are paid enough to live decent lives.

Also over the weekend, petitions will be available for signing on Saturday, at the Riverside Market in the Hutt and the Nanae Community Market, and on Sunday, at Brewtown Farmers Market in Upper Hutt.

On May 13th a community meeting will be held in the St Bernadette’s Church Hall, starting at 6pm.

© Scoop Media