7 Nov 2021

Living Wage advocates call on employers to 'step up and do it'

7:01 pm on 7 November 2021

Living Wage Movement Aotearoa is calling on employers to take up the challenge and become an accredited Living Wage Employer.

New Zealand currency held fanned out in someones hand

Photo: 123RF

Starting from today, Living Wage Week celebrates the 300 employers who have committed to paying a minimum of $22.75 an hour to their workers.

The organisation's chairperson Gina Lockyer said the week is also a reminder that there are working people who are still earning below the living wage.

"We're celebrating our employers and our accredited employers and we're also putting the message out there - who else can step up and do it."

Workers have a better quality of life and feel valued if they are paid a living wage, Lockyer said.

Living wage employers now include councils, large corporates such as Westpac, community organisations such as Auckland City Mission and small businesses such as candle company Downlights.

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