The Government's announcement today of a measly two per cent increase to minimum wage is another blow for workers.
"This is just a sour cherry on top of a terrible year for our workers, who have been under constant attack under this Government," says Green Party spokesperson for Workplace Relations, Teanau Tuiono.
"With inflation projected to exceed the increase, a two per cent 'raise' is as good as snake oil. Once again, the people who stand to lose out are predominantly young, part-time, female, Māori, and Pasifika workers.
"Raising the minimum wage by less than inflation is a political choice. It means, in no uncertain terms, that more people will face mounting debt and will struggle to cover the basics, let alone afford the unexpected costs of medical care, childcare, or urgent repairs.
"The Government talks about balancing the fair pay needs of workers with the cost of running a business, but somehow, it's always workers who end up carrying the burden.
"The Green Party's Income Guarantee provides a clear alternative, a commitment to every New Zealander that no matter what, you will have enough to put food on the table, a safe place to call home, and live a decent life-all paid for with a fair tax system.
"It's time for bold action that prioritises the well-being of workers and their whānau, not more pandering to the rich at the expense of the rest of us," says Teanau Tuiono.
