NZCTU MEDIA RELEASE 27 March 2006

91,000 workers deserve better, says CTU

"The 91,000 workers whose wages went up as a result of today's minimum wage rise deserve better," Ross Wilson, Council of Trade Unions President said today.

"We acknowledge that this Labour-led government has increased the minimum wage by 46% since 1999 - in stark contrast to the National Party freezing it at $7 during its last years in office."

"However unions are campaigning for a twelve dollar minimum wage now, and an immediate end to youth rates. A $12 minimum wage is not unreasonable and would still be below the rate of two-thirds of the average wage that it was in the late 1980s," said Ross Wilson.

"Union organising has convinced BP Oil and Restaurant Brands to get rid of youth rates, and unions will be working hard this year through collective bargaining to end youth rates at other sites, and move all workers to a minimum $12 per hour base rate," said Ross Wilson.

This morning the union movement launched its 2006 low wages campaign, under the Make Low Wages History banner, with local actions in several cities. This afternoon the Service & Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota will picket Spotless Services NZ Ltd in Wellington, from 4.30-5.30pm at 108 The Terrace.

ENDS

© Scoop Media