Valentine's Day protest PDF Print E-mail
Thursday, 18 February 2010 01:57
A small group of 25-30 people braved torrential rain and gale force winds to come out in support of a living wage last Saturday, as part of a national day of action. While the weather drove the crowds expected at the annual Thieves Alley market inside, members of Labour and the Greens, local activists from the International Socialists and concerned workers collected over 400 petition signatures and marched together on the local offices of National party MP. “Working for nothing really sucks; what do we want? 15 bucks!” and “25 cents won’t pay the rent” echoed across the Octagon and down Princess St, gaining steady toots of support from passing cars and smiles from supportive pedestrians. Differences in political views were put aside in the face of a common interest - a fair deal for all workers. Speakers from the ISO described how raising the minimum wage not only meant a better standard of living for workers, but actually acted to stabilise an inherently unstable economic system; about the growing gap between the rich and the poor; and recent attempts by the National government to make workers pay for tax cuts for the rich through higher GST.

Greens party leader Metiria Turei spoke about how the minimum wage now lies below the threshold for a decent standard of living; how raising wages eases the burden on social assistance and frees funds for better healthcare and education services as well as for environmental projects.

Supporters as young as 14 spoke on the devastating effect of poverty wages witnessed first-hand while living in the United States.