Bronwen Beechey, Auckland
In New Zealand, the minimum wage for workers aged 18 and over is NZ$9.50 per hour, and the rate for workers under 18 is even lower. The wages for Australian workers are 20% to 50% higher than those for equivalent jobs in New Zealand.
The Workers Charter, an organisation recently established to fight for workers’ rights, has launched a Supersize My Pay campaign, calling for a $12 minimum wage and the abolition of youth rates. The campaign is currently focusing on the fast-food industry, which is notorious for low pay, youth wages, management bullying and anti-unionism. It is also an industry that makes massive profits and can well afford to pay its workers a decent wage.
The first Supersize My Pay action was held in Auckland on September 10, outside a KFC suburban store, which has been refurbished as part of KFC’s plan to give its stores a makeover. While spending millions of dollars on improving the look of its stores, KFC pays its workers a pittance. Around 50 people turned out to “greet” the KFC corporate suits attending the official opening. The participants, including a Colonel Sanders look-a-like and two “chickens”, carried signs saying “Finger lickin’ greed” and “KFC = Kiwis for Cheap” (a reference to the company’s NZ slogan “KFC — Kiwi for Chicken”).
On September 17, the day of New Zealand’s elections, a second picket took place outside a McDonald’s store in the city centre. A ballot box was set up and passersby were asked to place a vote for a $12 hourly minimum wage and an end to youth rates. The final count was overwhelmingly in favour.
Participants waved banners and signs saying “McProfits Exploits Workers”. A sign asking passing motorists to toot in support of fair pay received an enthusiastic response, particularly from Stagecoach Bus Company drivers, who recently took strike action for better pay.
A number of high school students attended the picket and are planning to take the campaign to their schools. Many students work part-time in the fast-food industry. Workers Charter plans to continue organising actions outside other fast-food outlets.
From Green Left Weekly, September 28, 2005.
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