Greater Wellington Regional Council is now an accredited Living Wage Employer, and the second public transport authority in Aotearoa New Zealand to commit to the Living Wage.
The accreditation will require Greater Wellington suppliers, including transport operators, to pay all employees at least the Living Wage. Greater Wellington joins Wellington City Council, Porirua City Council, Hutt City Council, and Kāpiti Coast District Council as accredited Living Wage Employers in the Wellington Region, and follows Environment Canterbury as the second transport authority in the country.
Council chief executive, Nigel Corry described the Council’s decision to adopt the Living Wage as “the right thing to do”.
“As a council we are committed to improving the living and working conditions of some of the lowest paid people in our community,” said Mr Corry.
“Living Wage is now embedded in our procurement processes, and I want to acknowledge the significance of this milestone that was endorsed by the outgoing council of the last triennium.”
Being recognised as a Living Wage Employer follows a decision made by the outgoing regional council on Thursday 21 August to apply for Living Wage accreditation.
Metlink group manager, Samantha Gain said she is proud that Metlink is one of two public transport authorities setting the standard for pay.
“Greater Wellington is already there when it comes to our internal staff, however this accreditation means our focus is on lifting the lowest paid staff in the public transport network to the Living Wage as contracts go to tender in the coming years,” said Ms Gain.
“We are showing that we respect the work of the cleaners and security guards who play a critical role in our transport network and deserve to earn a living wage.”
Living Wage Employer programme lead, Felicia Scherrer says the accreditation is “another step towards a fairer Aotearoa”.
“Greater Wellington is setting an example of what local leadership looks like – fairness, dignity and respect for all workers. When workers are paid fairly, families thrive and communities grow stronger,” she said.
