8 February 2012

Minimum wage leaves thousands of working families in poverty

“The Government’s announcement today that the minimum wage will rise by 50 cents an hour is a tragic disappointment for hard working families on the lowest rates,” said Service and Food Workers Union national secretary John Ryall.

“While any increase is better than nothing, this leaves thousands of working families in poverty and will increase inequality in New Zealand.”

John Ryall said many members of the SFWU, who are currently paid below or a few cents above the minimum wage, were already struggling to survive and feed their families.

He said many thousands of others who are paid around $14 have now had their hopes of a decent increase dashed by the Government’s announcement.

“Many of our members will remain below the minimum wage, even though they are performing vitally important roles, providing care for some of the most vulnerable New Zealanders. The fact is $13.50, or $14 an hour, are not a living wage,” said John Ryall.

“Increasingly New Zealanders are uniting around a call for a more equitable society, where all workers receive a living wage. Until the very lowest pay rates are increased, the equity gap will grow and with it, poverty in New Zealand.”

ENDS

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