A fair wage

All workers deserve the right to a liveable income to support their families and live with dignity.

The government is increasing minimum wage by 2%, to $23.15.

This falls short of the living wage, which is $26. The living wage is the income necessary for workers and their families to have the basic necessities of life. A living wage enables workers to live with dignity and to participate as active citizens in society.

Inflation is currently 4.7% and in real terms, the 2% increase to the minimum wage means people working on that wage can't afford the cost of living.

MBIE recommended a 4% increase, yet the Government ignored that. They were more worried about saving some New Zealand businesses a few dollars. Meanwhile the workers suffer, with increases in rent, and food. How can the Government allow New Zealand workers to fall further behind?