Auckland Council has met the final requirement on its journey to becoming a Living Wage Employer under the Aotearoa Living Wage Movement.
Auckland Council now joins Wellington City Council, Christchurch City Council, Dunedin City Council, Hutt City Council, Porirua City Council, Kapiti Coast District Council, and Environment Canterbury (ECan) as recognized Living Wage employers in Aotearoa. Nearly 400 other businesses and organizations have also been recognized!
The journey began in 2017, during a time of struggle for workers’ rights to earn enough to cover their living expenses and spend time with their families. The Council decided to launch the “Living Wage” initiative to work with and support employers in committing to paying workers a living wage. It expanded to include the contracted cleaning services sector in 2019.
After more than a decade of advocacy and action, the election forums and councils have spread the value of the program through their stories. Finally, on November 6, 2024, Auckland Council became a recognized Living Wage Employer, marking a significant milestone—the 10th anniversary of the Living Wage Employer recognition program.
This means that all workers employed by Auckland Council, whether directly or through contracted employers, now earn at least the Living Wage for 2024/25, which is $27.80 per hour, plus other benefits as agreed between the parties.
This is a proud moment, as it can be said that the Council has contributed to spreading community values to employers aiming for fair wages for workers. This has had a significant impact on the quality of life for workers in Auckland. They now have the opportunity to spend time with their families, relax, or do things they were previously unable to do.
