First Living Wage Council

Written By: - Date published: 5:57 pm, May 21st, 2013 - 8 comments
Categories: wages - Tags:

Hamilton City looks like it’ll be the first Council to pay a Living Wage as the appropriate sub-committee voted for it today.  It will need to be confirmed by the full council, but should proceed.

Currently 80 staff are paid less than the $18.40 living wage, most in libraries and pools.

I’m a bit disappointed Len and Auckland haven’t managed to make the commitment and be first, but Len there’s still a chance for second place ahead of Wellington…

8 comments on “First Living Wage Council ”

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  1. mickysavage 1
    22 May 2013 at 8:01 am

    Congratulations Hamilton.

    The calculation I have seen is that Auckland could introduce a living wage for directly employed staff at a cost equivalent to a 0.2% rates rise.

    For this there would be considerable improvements in morale, staff retention and a beneficial economic effect.

    Len has not written the idea off. I think he should make it a policy plank for the election.

  2. Ant 2
    22 May 2013 at 11:39 am

    Most of the low paid workers have been outsourced and work for contractors anyway. Until they require their contractors to pay a liveable wage to staff this is just a PR stunt that means fuck all.

    • phillip ure 2.1
      22 May 2013 at 1:41 pm

      surely the symbolism of making that change..(and that other councils have already indicated they will follow that lead..)..

      ..surely that is of significance..?

      ..bringing contractors into line can come next..

      ..however you slice and dice it..this is good news..

      ..phillip ure..

    • infused 2.2
      22 May 2013 at 4:34 pm

      Pretty much this. It’s all PR.

  3. millsy 3
    22 May 2013 at 11:03 pm

    I see David “I dont like paying rates because they get spent on poor people” Thornton is spewing about it.

  4. Zeroque 4
    24 May 2013 at 12:58 pm

    This is a great move by HCC. Councillors I might add not management who opposed it.

  5. Opium Eater 5
    26 May 2013 at 9:41 pm

    This is encouraging. It’s small steps so far but every company/council that adopts this is helping to bring attention to the fact that the minimum wage falls far below the actual wage that is necessary to live on and raise a family in 2013.

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