Living Wage Movement
Imagine you have a job cleaning offices in Wellington after hours. You live in Wainuiomata and your shift finishes so late there are no trains or busses available to take you home. So you drive to work. Petrol prices soar and public transport prices are subsidised, but you can’t take advantage of the public transport subsidy. You get paid minimum wage, but wonder if it is even worth it given how often you need to fill the tank.
Stories like this happen all the time.
Living Wage Electoral Form, Lower Hutt 2021
The Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand was established in New Zealand in 2013 as a response to the growing poverty and inequality that continues to hold back many Kiwi workers. This month the Living Wage increases to $23.65 per hour and we took the opportunity to talk to Rev. Stephen King about the movement and what it means for us.
What is the Living Wage & why is it important?
The Living Wage is defined as “The income necessary to provide workers and their families with the basic necessities of life.” It’s independently calculated based on publicly available data. The calculations are done by the Family Centre Social Policy Research Unit which operate under the umbrella of the Anglican Diocese of Wellington.
The rate is set at a level to support a household of two adults and two children on 1.5 incomes in such a way that they can participate in life in a meaningful way. For example, spending time with your children, paying for vehicle insurance, having a two-week holiday.
“Our lowest paid workers are the back-bone of our society (think essential workers). When the cost of living rises, they are first hit, and the least able to absorb the impact.”
The Living Wage rate is voluntary and is paid by employers who want to make sure their workers get enough money to live with dignity.
“To start with, the difference between the minimum wage and the Living Wage was significant,” said Stephen. “There is a huge number of people who are the working poor; working two jobs and still not able to make ends meet. The Living Wage is attempting to close that gap.”
Since the Movement started, the science behind the numbers has been recognised and the gap between the minimum wage and the Living Wage is being closed.
“Wellington City Council was the first council in the country to become a Living Wage employer; a trend which other councils around the country are starting to follow. Last year one of the big wins was the Bankers Association signing up, and, whilst not an accredited employer, central government raised the wage floor to the Living Wage. Our next focus is the legal sector.”
What is Anglican Movement’s role in the Living Wage Movement?
Anglican Movement is an accredited Living Wage employer and a number of our clergy are involved in the faith stream of the Living Wage Movement.
“I first became involved when I was the Archdeacon for Missions when the movement was being launched. There are three streams to the movement: faith based religious groups, unions and community/secular groups. Together we recognised the need for a living wage and came together to advocate for it.”
Stephen King and Jenny Dawson are both on the National Governance Board and Stephen is also on the Wellington committee. “It’s great that we get to work with the unions and community groups in a shared endeavour. So often we are campaigning for something in parallel with each other, but we are totally together in this. It’s very cool.”
St Peter’s on Willis will be hosting an election forum next week. The Living Wage forums involve the telling of worker and community stories which help to highlight to candidates the importance of the Living Wage. Candidates are asked clear and actionable policy asks, requiring either a yes or no answer in relation to the Living Wage. Forums in Lower Hutt and Porirua will be taking place the following week. See below for details.
How can we help?
Finn, the Lower North Island Community Organiser can come and talk to your church or community group about the Living Wage.
If you are living in an area with a Living Wage Movement, get involved. It’s a great opportunity for the church to engage with the broader community and minister to the last, the lost and the least. If you are interested in starting a group, get in touch with Finn.
Wairarapa
Contact Grant Poulton, Livingwagewairarapa@gmail.com or 021 664 249.
The rest of the diocese
Finn Cordwell, finn@livingwage.org.nz or 021 655 945.
Head along to your local electoral meeting and wave your church’s banner (literally) to show the electoral candidates the breadth of the community groups involved.
Wellington
When: 6pm, 14 September
Where: St Peter’s on Willis, Te Aro, Wellington
Lower Hutt
When: 6pm, 21 September
Where: Avalon Intermediate, 1041 High Street, Avalon
Porirua
When: 6pm, 22 September
Where: Helen Smith Room, Pataka, 11 Parumoana Street, Porirua
