Labour has today released its Work and Wages policy. An immediate lift in the minimum wage to $15, and a raise to $16.25 in April next year. 90 day free sacking option for employers to go in first 100 days. Core public service to get the Living Wage first, others to follow. That’ll put some money where it’s most needed.
Announcing the policy today, David Cunliffe said:
“Today we are committing to a ‘100 days’ programme to make positive changes to the lives of working New Zealanders. These include:
- Immediately increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour, with a further increase to $16.25 an hour in April 2015.
- Aiming to raise the minimum wage to two-thirds of the average wage over two terms as conditions permit.
- Ensuring all core public service workers are paid at least the Living Wage, and extending that as fiscal conditions allow.
- Abolishing the Government’s 90 day dismissal law.
- Reviewing health and safety laws and ensuring Worksafe New Zealand is adequately resourced.
“We will also charge a Commission of Inquiry with investigating wage setting and other workplace practices with a view to developing labour market regulation that makes it easier to negotiate fair pay and conditions, and encourages productive workplace relationships.
“Labour will boost wages and bring down unemployment so all Kiwis can afford a better life.”
You can read more including the full policy document here.
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