Working people welcoming minimum wage increase

Working people are welcoming today’s Governmentannouncement confirming that it will increase the minimum wage to $18.90 perhour from 1 April 2020.

“The minimum wage is currently $17.70 soan increase of $1.20 an hour will mean an increase of $48 a week for someoneworking full time. This is a significant and meaningful increase to the minimumwage. We have total confidence that the Government is on track to fulfill itspromise of a $20 minimum wage by 2021,” CTU President Richard Wagstaffsaid.

“We are thrilled that this Government istaking active steps to improve the lives of working people by ensuring that thelowest paid are getting an increase from their employers. There are othertangible steps the Government should take that would also make work better inNew Zealand. These include the introduction of Fair Pay Agreements and enhancedprotections for those working as contractors,” Wagstaff said.

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