Minimum Wage - Lack of Commitment to the Low Paid

Media Release:

Minimum Wage Increase Demonstrates Lack of Commitment to Low Paid Workers

The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) is appalled by the National governments lack of commitment to addressing the needs of low paid workers in New Zealand.

NZNO represents more than 5,000 caregiver members working in residential aged care; some of the poorest paid and most undervalued workers in the country.

“Increasing the minimum wage to $12.75 per hour (an increase of $0.25) does not address the needs of low paid workers. To do this when the government is also considering increasing GST and lowering the tax rates for the wealthiest New Zealanders, sends a very clear signal of just whom the government values,” said NZNO organising services manager, Cee Payne.

“This equates to an Increase, for a full time worker, of $10 per week. $10 buys a couple of loaves of bread and two litres of milk, it certainly does not achieve the improvements that low paid workers need in terms of their own, and their family’s health. The working poor have some of the worst health outcomes in New Zealand. If the government increased the minimum wage to $15 per hour these health outcomes would be radically improved,” Payne said.

“Workers in residential aged care are desperate for the government to address their low pay. NZNO strongly supports an increase in the minimum wage to $15 per hour The government has missed an opportunity to improve low paid workers lives,” said Payne.

ENDS

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