The minimum wage increases from $12.50 to $12.75 an hour today but unions say it will not make much difference to low-paid workers.
Unite Union spokesman Joe Carolan says much of the increase will be absorbed by an increase in the ACC earner’s levy, which also comes into effect today.
“The ACC levy is going to eat up nine cents of the 25 cents and we’re looking at a GST increase after the budget.”
Mr Carolan says an extra 25 cents an hour will not pay the rent or make a difference to 100,000 workers on the minimum wage.
The union believes a decent living wage is at least $15 an hour.
Source: http://home.nzcity.co.nz/news/article.aspx?id=112785&fm=psp,nwl
Mr Carolan says an extra 25 cents an hour will not pay the rent or make a difference to 100,000 workers on the minimum wage.