PRESS RELEASE - For immediate release. Tuesday 10 September 2013

Towards a Living Wage Council

The Living Wage Movement and West Auckland communities are calling on West Ward candidates in the Auckland Council elections to support a Living Wage and housing for those in need.

A forum will be hosted by West Auckland community leaders and churches and takes place on September 18 at the at the Tuvaluan Christian Church, 15-17 Aetna Place, Henderson. The meeting runs from 6.30 to 8pm. Among the host organisations are Congregational Church of Samoa, Pasifika Migrant Services and Avondale Union Parish.

"West Auckland workers and their families are struggling because they work hard but don’t earn enough to survive and participate in their communities. We want to make sure the candidates standing for election are accountable to our communities," says spokesperson, Fala Haulangi.

"Auckland Council's spending has a huge impact on the economy of the region and people want to use their vote wisely in the council elections," says Fala.

Candidates will be asked to make a commitment to the Living Wage and to social housing.  They will also be asked to support greater accountability of councillors back to the West Auckland community.

The Living Wage has been independently calculated at $18.40 per hour and represents the amount that workers need in order to survive and participate in society. Many cities around the world, including London and 20% of UK councils have adopted the Living Wage. Council adoption in these cities has led the way to many businesses also stepping up to pay the Living Wage and enhance the overall economy.

Fala says the impact is huge. "People want to live, not just exist. Having to do two low paid jobs just to feed your family means that you can't enjoy a social life or get involved in community activities, you just don't have the time and energy. Earning a living wage puts more spending power back into the local economy, which benefits everyone."

ENDS

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