“Walk the talk to reduce the wage gap”

Towards wage equality: Achievable, good for business, good for the economy, good for people.

There’s just a few weeks left to convince the candidates of all political parties that reducing the wage gaps makes good sense.

Recently, we’ve learned that New Zealand public sector CEOs are among the highest paid in the world, and that over the last 30 years, only the top ten percent of earners have seen their household incomes increase significantly.

While top incomes have gone up by an average of nearly $50,000, most of the rest of New Zealanders – that is, 80 percent of us – have seen our average income increase by less than $5,000 over those same three decades. That is not a typo. That is a shocking fact.

Research shows that if our incomes were closer together, our economy would be healthier and our country would be better for all. Common sense and simple human decency suggest that if less people were living in poverty, our society would be healthier and happier.

Closing the Gap—Income Equality Aotearoa New Zealand Inc, a member of the recently formed Equality Network, joins with over 20 national, regional and local NGOs in calling for an alternative approach to wages in New Zealand.
We call for all candidates to put their money where their mouths are, and:
· Significantly increase low pay, through a higher minimum wage, where possible a Living Wage, and stronger collective bargaining.

· Curb very high pay – where it is not justified by exceptional talent, hard work or contribution – through pay ratios and other means.

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