Copy

500+ rally in Auckland and Wellington

Mayor hopefuls said YES to the Living Wage supporters rallying in Auckland and Wellington bringing hope to thousands that this term will deliver NZ's first Living Wage council.

Pledges from Mayoral candidates in Auckland
In Auckland David Hay, Penny Bright, Chlöe Swarbrick and Phil Goff signed a pledge in support of a Living Wage for directly employed and contracted workers. All these candidates supported a a subcommittee of council to oversee implementation. David Hay, Penny Bright and Chlöe Swarbrick also said yes to ensuring the 2017 cleaning contract across the city is tendered for at no less than the Living Wage.

Waitemata candidate, Mike Lee, affirmed all commitments and stands in splendid isolation as the Living Wage people's choice for the central city ward!

Wellingtonians turn out for Living Wage
Nearly 300 people from faith groups, community organisations and unions packed out Wellington's Wesley Church on 1 September to challenge mayoral candidates to commit to the Living Wage.Over the past three years Wellington City Council has taken significant steps towards becoming a Living Wage council. But there's a lot more to do. Candidates at Thursday's Mayoral forum were challenged to commit to ensuring all workers, including all those employed via contractors and in CCOs, are paid the official NZ Living Wage rate. Candidates were also asked to commit to seeking accreditation as a Living Wage employer in the next term.

Justin Lester, Nick Leggett and Helene Ritchie all made this commitment. Nicola Young, Andy Foster and Keith Johnston did not.  A number of council candidates also made the commitment. Their names will be published soon.

Follow us on twitter with @LivingWageNZ @LWEmployerNZ,  check out our updated website www.livingwage.org.nz and follow us on Facebook, living wage aotearoa nz

Next step Hutt City and Porirua

Living Wage election forums will now take place in Hutt City and Porirua, where candidates will be challenged to commit to the principle of becoming a Living Wage council and developing a plan to extend the Living Wage to all workers, including those employed via contractors. Hutt Valley and Porirua Living wage supporters — please support your local forum. We need to demonstrate that this is an important issue to these communities. 

The Anglican Diocese Auckland passed a standing resolution supporting the Living Wage meaning it is now permanently the position of the Diocese. Further, the Synod passed a resolution inviting all parishes to become members of the Living Wage Movement. Thanks to Dean Jo-Kelly Moore and Rod Oram for speaking to this. Congratulations to all our Anglican leaders, especially Rev. Dr Susan Adams and David Hall.
"We’d feel bad if you worked all night for us for less, or for no overtime. And it made us feel good and it made our other directors who aren’t in the business all the time go ‘do you guys still feel good about the way you’re growing?" James Crow of Little Island (Nice Blocks) on paying a Living Wage.

http://thespinoff.co.nz/podcast/01-09-2016/podcast-business-is-boring-18-james-crow-of-nice-blocks-on-why-paying-staff-a-living-wage-is-good-for-business/#.V8eWQ45MLkI.facebook