The council joins 110 accredited Living Wage Employers on the 2018 list committed to paying the Living Wage
Wellington City Council has broken the drought and become the first Living Wage council in New Zealand.
The council joins 110 accredited Living Wage Employers on the 2018 list committed to paying the Living Wage to all workers, including those employed by contractors.
The council’s Living Wage journey began in 2013, when an alliance of faith groups, community organisations and unions began the campaign to win the Living Wage for all workers.
Now that goal has been achieved and council staff are on at least $20.55 an hour, $4.05 more than the minimum wage set by the Government.
Wellington Mayor Justin Lester said this has been a four-year project for the council and they actually got there about 18 months ahead of schedule.
“Research from around the world shows that paying a Living Wage brings benefits to employers, to staff and also to the wider community,” said Lester.
“This was the right thing to do to make Wellington a more inclusive city.
“When I talk with our cleaners and security staff, many of whom work six days a week to make ends meet, they tell me the better wages make a big difference in their and their families’ lives.”
Moreover, Living Wage Convenor, Annie Newman, said that Wellington City Council’s leadership has already transformed the lives of hundreds of Wellington families.
“For a lot of people, it’s the difference that allows them to reduce long working hours and spend time with their families, to purchase a reliable car for night shift work, and to buy clothes for their children,” said Newman.
“The announcement today means everyone benefits at the council, including the workers employed by contractors.”
Newman added that while Wellington City Council are the first, they won’t be the last Living Wage council in New Zealand. Indeed, Auckland and Christchurch are also taking significant steps towards being Living Wage councils.
“Good on Wellington City Council, and all of the other accredited Living Wage Employers, for showing everyone how it’s done,” said Newman.
A couple of months ago, the Minister of State Services Chris Hipkins announced that all employees in the core public service will receive an hourly rate of at least the Living Wage.
Hipkins said most of the workers who will benefit work in 13 government departments, and are clerical and administration workers, welfare workers, contact centre workers and assistant customs officers.
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