Scoop has an Ethical Paywall
$12 an hour not unreasonable
20 October 2005
$12 an hour not unreasonable
The Council of Trade Unions says that $12 an hour is not an unreasonable level for the minimum wage, and should be applied as soon as possible.
"There is now a general acceptance that we have a low wage crisis in New Zealand," said Carol Beaumont, Secretary of the Council of Trade Unions.
"Many employers recognize that there is a skills shortage. However they need to take the next step - and realise that one solution to the skills shortage is better pay for their workers. Workers should be getting a fair share of corporate profits
"We are sick of tired rhetoric that suggests increases in the minimum wage will lead to higher levels of unemployment. The last six years stand as evidence to the contrary - a 35.7% increase in the minimum wage over the last six years has coincided with the lowest unemployment in decades."
"The CTU is rejecting the notion that a $12 increase in the minimum wage will be unmanageable by business," said Carol Beaumont. "We believe that a low minimum wage entrenches a low-wage, low-skill, low technology approach to employment, and this is not the direction New Zealand needs to be heading."
"Clearly the CTU welcomes a minimum wage level of $12 an hour. We welcome the moves the Labour led government has already made on the minimum wage increases over the last six years," said Carol Beaumont.
ENDS
New Zealand Council of Trade Unions
Te Kauae Kaimahi
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.
John Mazenier: Gaffer Tape And Glue Delivering New Zealand’s Mission Critical Services
Earthquake Commission: Ivan Skinner Award Winner Inspired By Real-life Earthquake Experience
Reserve Bank: Consultation Opens On A Digital Currency For New Zealand
NIWA: Ship Anchors May Cause Extensive And Long-lasting Damage To The Seafloor, According To New Research
New Zealand Customs Service: A Step Forward For Simpler Trade Between New Zealand And Singapore
Horizon Research: 68% Say Make Banks Offer Fraud Protection
