SFWU calls on the Government to guarantee fair pay for all workers

The Service and Food Workers Union Nga Ringa Tota (which incorporates the New Zealand Musicians Union), is calling on the Government to support the Minimum Wage & Remuneration bill which will be debated in Parliament for the third time this Wednesday (25 March).

Under the bill, protection would apply for independent or dependent contractors, who currently have no employment rights at all and are reliant on commercial law.

"At the moment although the minimum wage is the benchmark above which all employees can be paid, unscrupulous employers can be tempted to pay workers as 'contractors' to get round the law." said John Ryall, SFWU National Secretary.

"The main principle behind this bill is that no worker should be able to be paid less than a socially acceptable minimum wage. The exploitation of cheap labour has got to stop, and the Government has a responsibility to protect the rights of workers to a fair day's pay for a fair day's work. "

"Given the current economic climate, it is essential that workers are paid fair wages across the board, and that employers are not allowed to cut corners."

"We also welcome the amendment to the bill which includes working towards a minimum hourly rate of $15 by 1 July 2011. For those workers who are earning less than $40,000 a year but who will not receive a tax cut on 1 April a decent wage increase could make a significant difference to their ability to pay their living costs." said John Ryall.

ENDS

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