On April 1st, Unite- Aotearos hospitality Union will hold five rallies across the country, demanding real pathways to a living wage.

Every worker deserves a wage they can live on. That remains out of reach for many. On April 1st, the minimum wage will rise by just 35 cents. This is effectively a pay cut for thousands of workers as it is a below inflation adjustment.

"We need a government that is capable of protecting the wellbeing of all working people. Instead, we have a coalition that is allowing its ideological mantras to actively drive up poverty." Said Unite Assistant National Secretary Ben Peterson.

"Working people should not accept this. Unite Union will be seeking meaningful pathways to living wages in their 2025 wage negotiations, with companies like KFC, MCDonalds, Burger King, and other hospitality employers. All workers unhappy with this decision should join Unite to be part of the movement. "

With the minimum wage falling $4.30 short of the living wage ($27.80), the gap between earnings and the cost of living continues to widen. Working people are struggling to make ends meet—but it doesn’t have to be this way. It’s time to say enough.

Join us at your local rally to support hospitality and other workers in their fight for a living wage for all. Show your support for a better future and call on the Government and employers to take real action on poverty by making serious wage increases.

Media representatives are encouraged to cover the events, which will include community leaders and workers affected by low wages. For more information on attending rallies in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Palmerston North, and Dunedin, visit https://www.unite.org.nz/campaigns.

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