National sends wrong message to Pacific youth with low wage rates

National's plan to introduce youth rates sends a message to the young Pacific workforce in New Zealand that it’s okay to be resigned to a future of less opportunity and low pay, Labour’s Pacific Affairs spokesperson Su’a William Sio says.

“It’s not okay. Wages are already low. At the same time the cost of basic items - groceries, petrol and electricity - keeps going up and the standard of living for many people is getting worse.”

The Government announced yesterday that employers would be able to pay a new ‘starting out wage’ of 80 per cent of the $13.50 adult minimum wage, or $10.80 an hour, from April next year.

“My own nephew, Joseph, is among the 65,158 young Kiwis aged between 18-30 years who have left for Australia for better jobs and opportunities since National took office.

“The loss of so many of our young people has been driven by a great sense of hopelessness under this Government.

“And its low youth rate proposal - really designed to drive all wages lower by maintaining high numbers of unemployed and jobless people – will only see more of our young folk packing their bags.

“Those people who voted for John Key and his government expecting a brighter future have every right to be disappointed in him. He has let them down.

“Pacific communities have to be prepared to stand with Labour and David Shearer to fight for more job opportunities and pay rates that can support families,” said Su’a William Sio.