Everyone is talking about the fact that two men have a combined wealth equal to the poorest thirty percent of the population. People are rightly angry that this has been allowed to happen, and are looking for answers. Judging by Finance Minister Steven Joyce’s performance in the media on Monday the government doesn’t have any, “good on ‘em” seems to be Mr Joyce’s view.
People are also deeply concerned by the fact that a significant number of our rich do not appear to be paying their fair share of tax.
It is important that we focus on the real people behind the headlines, in the Living Wage Movement we know from our institutions and their members the real cost to everyday working people of an unequal society. Parents going hungry to feed their kids, not being able to afford new school uniforms when they go back after the summer break. Having to use benefits to top up low pay, and having to work many more hours per week than they should just to meet the rent. The latest headlines will have faded by Friday.
Meanwhile, if you want to do something about inequality now is your chance. A growing movement of unions, community groups, faith institutions, and employers are coming together to call for a Living Wage, for all working people to have a chance of a decent life.
Six local councils, will soon be consulting on their budget proposals, which thanks to the Living Wage Movement includes the Living Wage for council staff. We need to be part of that to make sure that residents are saying “yes, we do want that, and we want it for directly employed, and contracted staff as well.”
If you want us to work with you, or your community around winning the Living Wage, If you want to make a real difference to people’s everyday lives, if you want to reduce inequality; get in touch.
The Living Wage has already transformed the lives of thousands of working people around the world and here at home.
Radio NZ Story Here http://www.radionz.co.nz/news/national/322422/top-1-percent-of-nzers-own-20-percent-of-wealth
Oxfam Inequality Report Here https://www.oxfam.org.nz/news/just-eight-men-own-same-wealth-half-world