Louisa
WALL
MP for Manurewa

1 March 2012 MEDIA STATEMENT

Workers’ shouldn’t have to picket for fair pay

“Workers’ shouldn’t have to strike for a living wage, says Louisa Wall, Labour’s MP for Manurewa.

“Unfortunately, taking to the streets seems to be the only way workers can draw attention to their plight,” Louisa Wall said.

“Caring for older New Zealanders is a hugely valuable job. It was disheartening to see staff from Elmwood Retirement Village, as well as members of the SFWU and New Zealand’s Nurses Organisation, striking to get a measly 3.5 per cent pay increase today.

“Oceania is offering their workers a 1per cent pay increase, which equates to an extra 14cents per hour, or $1.32 per day. At a minimum, Oceania should be passing its 2.6 per cent increase in base-funding, which it receives from the government, on to its workers.

“This is public money and workers, not Oceania’s shareholders, should be first in line to receive the benefits,” Louisa Wall said.

“The other critical question to ask is why Oceania should maintain (if not increase) their profits in a recession, only to take them offshore?

“This money needs to stay in New Zealand. We know that working New Zealanders spend their money in their local communities. Fair pay increases are critical. Workers need to feed, house and clothe their children and families.

“Aged care workers shouldn’t have to strike to earn a living. But what was shown today is that they are prepared to fight for a decent living wage that they deserve.

“I support their efforts and their cause and would be happy to stand with them again,” Louisa Wall said.

ENDS

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