Hone Harawira
MANA Leader

9th February 2012

Minimum wage an insult

“When John Key says lifting the minimum wage too much might cost jobs, all he’s doing is pandering to his rich mates in the Employer’s Federation” said MANA leader Hone Harawira.

"Treasury say that raising the minimum wage doesn’t cost jobs, yet government refuses to offer more than a pathetic 50c which will do nothing to offset the massive rise in the cost of living.”

“Food, petrol, electricity - their prices are going up 5, 6, 7% per year – but wages are only going up 50c. No wonder New Zealanders are flooding across the ditch for Australia.”

“The way to stop that flood is simple - pay the same minimum wage as they’re paying – nearly $20 an hour, not the pathetic $13.50 John Key is offering.”

“And don’t believe the line that government is trotting out about how low wages are good to get young people into jobs either. Young people aren’t dumb. As soon as they can scrape a fare together, they’re following their big brothers and sisters across the ditch as well”.

ENDS

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