22 March 2016

Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ

Living Wage Event Postponed Due To Safety Issues

High winds and safety concerns have led to the postponement of the Living Wage Movement gathering in Aotea Square scheduled for 12 noon today, Thursday 24 March.

The Auckland Council submission processes are coming under question, after the Living Wage Movement made over 300 submissions to the Long Term Plan without any visibility as to where these submissions have been considered by Council.

“Are the voices forgotten; the people irrelevant; the submissions statistically insignificant?” said National Convenor of Living Wage Movement Aotearoa NZ, Annie Newman today.

With submissions made through community events and electronically, from both community groups and individuals, the Living Wage movement is asking whether it was true that “Your opinion matters” or “The views of all Aucklanders are important to us” as stated on Auckland Council’s website.

“The lost voices of Aucklanders on the matter of the Living Wage challenges the integrity of the statement that “genuine dialogue” is “important”. This leads this Living Wage movement to question the value of participating in the democratic process that is intended to define local government,” said Annie Newman.

The Auckland Plan says Auckland’s vision is to be “the world’s most liveable city.” This means focusing on people, reducing inequality, dramatically accelerating the prospects for children and young people, and substantially raising living standards for all Aucklanders. Poverty in Auckland is, in part, a result of low incomes.

The payment of a Living Wage to Auckland Council employees and contracted workers would increase incomes for families, make housing more affordable, and mean that families would be less likely to accrue debt.

The Living Wage is defined as “The income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life. A living wage will enable workers to live with dignity and to participate as active citizens in society.” (www.livingwage.org.nz).

The rate is independently determined by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit and is currently $19.80 per hour www.livingwage.org.nz

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