Celebrating Efforts - Closing the Gap

Celebrating Efforts

“Kiwis who care about closing the inequality gap need to support businesses who are making an effort,” says Peter Malcolm, spokesperson for Closing the Gap.

“The recent publicity around zero hour contracts highlights the worst of our business practices. It’s pretty depressing hearing about changes to employment that work to entrench and even widen the gap between the rich and the poor.

In contrast, it’s heartening to look at organisations that are working to address income inequality in New Zealand.

For instance, over the last few years The Warehouse has put in place a Career Retailer Wage that moved its long-term workers off the minimum wage. While the move cost the company several million in increased wage bills, it has also helped them by reducing staff turnover, giving their workers more spending power in store, and motivating them to provide a better service.

“You don’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure out that paying people well, showing that you value them, builds a better relationship between workers and their employer,” says Malcolm. “The Warehouse should be congratulated on its move in the right direction when it comes to income inequality in New Zealand.

Other employers that should be supported include those accredited as Living Wage employers by the Living Wage campaign. Run by a group of organisations promoting wages that give workers dignity and the opportunity to fully participate in society, their webpage lists organisations that have signed up to address inequality by paying a living wage.

“Those of us who care to make New Zealand a more equal place can use our own purchasing power to make a difference by supporting organisations making an effort.

ENDS

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