12 June 2013

Wellington City Council applauded over Living Wage decision
The Public Service Association is applauding the Wellington City Council for its decision to move towards becoming a Living Wage capital.

Today the Council agreed in principle to becoming a Living Wage Council and will work on a plan to implement it.

The PSA is the union representing Council workers.

PSA National Secretary Brenda Pilott says “this is a huge step and the Council should be congratulated for making a meaningful decision around lifting wages and improving people’s standard of living."

The living wage has been set at $18.40 an hour and it’s estimated about 90 Council staff earn below that level.

“A living wage will make a big difference to all those who work hard to professionally deliver services, yet earn minimum wages,” Brenda Pilott says.

Significantly as part of its decision, the Council has also agreed to include employees who work for contracted services.

Brenda Pilott says “it’s exciting to see the Council seeking to commit to the living wage for its own staff and those working in contracted organisations. It will help lift the wages of the low paid and narrow the gap between rich and poor and, while there is still a lot of work to do, it will mean Wellington will truly be able to say it’s a living wage city.”

“Credit also needs to go the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa for its work in pushing the issue and putting it so firmly on the Council’s agenda,” she says.

The PSA, as part of the Living Wage coalition, will be working with the Council on how the living wage can be adopted and implemented throughout its operations.

ENDS

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