28 September 2015

Momentum Builds For Living Wage Councils

The Living Wage movement in the Wellington region has applauded Wellington Regional councillors for committing to becoming a living wage council today.

"We are really delighted that the Wellington Regional Council has taken this step," said Living Wage Wellington spokesperson Paul Barber, from the New Zealand Christian Council of Social Services.

"It’s been great to see the lives of hundreds of working people and their families and communities changed by the increases already achieved through councils and living wage employers beginning to implement living wage policies. Wellington Regional Council’s commitment is fantastic news for those on low incomes and the wider community. It's also good for the regional council as an employer because we know having a decently paid and valued workforce brings benefits in terms of increased morale and reduced turnover."

Paul Barber said momentum was growing across the region amongst councils to take a lead in their communities by becoming living wage employers.

"Wellington led the way, Porirua Council has taken a good first step, Hutt City is actively considering the living wage and now our regional council has stepped up," he said.

"We have learnt a great deal in the past three years about working with councils and private sector employers to implement the living wage. We are looking forward to working together with the Wellington Regional Council."

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