“Low-paid workers are struggling to keep their heads above water and to cover the absolute basics like rent, power and kai.”
Muriel Tunoho. Photo / RNZ
More than 340 employers are accredited Living Wage Employers.
There is no legal requirement for employers to pay more than minimum wage, which is $6 below the living wage.
The living wage increase is double that of minimum wage, which also rises to $23.95 on Wednesday – an increase which did not keep up with inflation.
Living Wage lead organiser Finn Cordwell said the living wage would help struggling families live a life of dignity which was not possible currently on the minimum wage.
“We would like the Government to reflect on how out of step the minimum wage has become for low-paid workers and whether anyone around that Cabinet table could actually live on $23.95 an hour.”
Living wage employers have until September 1 to implement the new rate.
– RNZ