Kiwis to National: let’s have a decent minimum wage rise
The results of a survey in today’s Herald demonstrate strong public support for the Government to set a decent rise in the minimum wage, Labour Party spokesman on labour issues Trevor Mallard says.
Six out of 10 of the 2300 people surveyed said the minimum hourly wage should increase from $12.50 to $15.
“It is heartening to see that most New Zealanders recognise the struggles faced by those on the minimum wage and support a better standard of living for them,” Trevor Mallard said.
“Lifting pay rates also spurs employers to invest more in training, technology and plant, which raises productivity.
“The tough economic conditions we have endured over the past year or so have caused many New Zealanders to tighten their belts – which only emphasises the extreme difficulties faced by our lowest paid workers trying to raise families on the minimum wage.
“The Government can make a choice. It should listen to what the public is telling it and do more to improve these families’ lives while also raising productivity levels. Labour Minister Kate Wilkinson will already have the Cabinet recommendations.
“After all, it has been telling us for some time now that the recession is over, it wants to lift productivity and wants to close the wage gap with Australia.
“Raising the minimum wage to $15 an hour, either in one step if it is prepared to be bold, or over two years, would show it is serious about wanting to close the wage gap as well as sending a strong signal that it wants all New Zealanders, not just those at the top, to share in the fruits of the economic recovery.
“Labour raised the minimum wage nine times in nine years.
“National could also learn a lesson from last year. Targeting its tax cuts to the well off as it did – a third went to the top 3 per cent of earners – was a huge missed opportunity to stimulate the economy.
“The lower paid, who are finding it ever harder to make ends meet, are much more likely to spend the extra income on everyday goods,” Trevor Mallard said.
