Laila Harre’s Ika Seafood Bar and Grill becomes Auckland’s first Living Wage restaurant

Ika Seafood Bar and Grill is Auckland’s first restaurant to be accredited as a Living Wage employer.

The Mt Eden restaurant, owned and run by former Cabinet Minister Laila Harré, pays all staff at least the Living Wage rate of $19.25 per hour and intends to increase wages to the new living wage rate announced today and effective 1 July.

Laila Harré says "we wanted to show leadership in an industry where great food is not always matched with great jobs."

"This was not an easy target to reach and we are reaching out to our customers to help us prove that the hospitality industry can provide good jobs on good wages.'

Laila Harré said that the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa was changing the conversation about ethical business practice.

“The Living Wage Movement have given us something to aim for. Most importantly, they’ve sent a message to workers in hospitality and beyond that they are worth more.

“I urge all other restaurants to consider the move. Let’s compete with each other on great food and service, not by undercutting each other’s' wage bills.”

Living Wage National Convener Annie Newman says that people should support Living Wage businesses like Ika.

“Laila and the team at Ika are showing us that Living Wages are possible in the hospitality industry. That’s worth your patronage.

“From small businesses like Ika to large organisations like Wellington City Council, the Living Wage is changing lives and transforming communities.”

ENDS

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