7 September 2004

MEDIA RELEASE

Mayoral candidate supports SLGOU in negotiations

It is reported that negotiations between the Southern Local Government Officers Union and the Christchurch City Council have stalled.

Sam Kingi the mayoral candidate for the Anti-Capitalist Alliance said "I support the union in its quest for higher wages. The union is only asking for a 4.5% pay increase, whereas the richest 187 people in New Zealand last year increased their wealth by over 22%. It is amazing that when the wealthy of this country get more money it is not an issue but when workers justly demand more they are confronted with the usually dogma of there not being enough, when in fact there is enough. Workers are constantly told to tighten their belts while at their expense the rich live in luxury."

"The City Council CEO claims that an increase in pay for workers would lead to a rise in rates. There seems to be an awful lot of money wasted on giving an exorbitant amount to the mayor and councillors who should really receive the average income. The mayor and councillors who claim to serve the people and work for the people should live like the people. This should free up enough money to make sure these workers can have a decent wage" said Sam.

Sam concluded with "although some changes to the current system and in this case pay cuts to the bosses to free up money for the workers may help a little, the fundamental problems lie in the nature of capitalism itself. It won't be changed by voting this way or that way, it will require great social upheaval to bring about social equality and better working conditions for all workers."

ENDS

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