Unite Union supports a change of government in this year’s general election.
Our members will get the most immediate benefit from a commitment by Labour, the Greens and Mana to lift the minimum wage to $15 before the end of this year and then increase it again on April 1 next year.
A minimum wage increase of between $1 and $1.75 an hour is something worth fighting for. All wage systems are built from the bottom up and everyone will eventually benefit from a minimum wage rise. We will be also campaigning for a commitment to lift the minimum wage over time to equal two-thirds of the average wage. Make the minimum wage a living wage!
There are other issues where the gap between the current parties of government (National and Act) and the current opposition parties is real and substantial. This includes reducing power bills, building more state housing, and stopping asset sales.
Only Mana, The Green’s and Labour have committed to changing the government and deserve your vote. NZ First and Maori parties have said they might still go with National/Act after the election if the price is right. They can’t be trusted with your vote.
The first step to making this campaign a success is by enrolling to vote. 800,000 people did not vote in the last election – most of them working people. If we vote this election the government will change.
If someone tells you “it’s a waste of time” or “I don’t give a damn” then slap them around the head and explain what a $1.50 an hour increase in their wage (or the wage of their bother, sister, parent or cousin) will mean to them and their family.
Vote for a big increase in the minimum wage.
Vote for change in government!
“If someone tells you “it’s a waste of time” or “I don’t give a damn” then slap them around the head and explain what a $1.50 an hour increase in their wage (or the wage of their bother, sister, parent or cousin) will mean to them and their family.”
Hah, I am afraid it may require a bit more than that for an argument.
So many workers are so conditioned and pressurised, they do compete with each other, and at so many work places you will get those saying, hey, I work very hard, and do my best, why should the lazy bugger that is working here over there get the same amount of money as I do?
Some will say, well the employer will pass the cost on and prices will go up all over the place, so nothing will change.
I know this sounds bad and nonconstructive, but it is reality.
People must be able to see more for a reason to vote this government out, and that is a greater picture, that more can relate to, and that helps overcome such petty divisiveness as I mentioned in workplaces or elsewhere. A good mix of measures are needed to convince people, and it must be well worded, to come across.
Of course, a bit extra in the pay packet does make a difference, but we need to focus on even more, improve workers rights and protection in law, improve work and other environments and processes, put people back into the centre of work and other activities, and explain the better alternative to people, rather than slap them around the head or ears.
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