Hi John,

Yesterday, we delivered on our election commitment to back Kiwi workers with Fair Pay Agreements. Fair Pay Agreements make it easier for workers across an industry or occupation to bargain for better wages and working conditions.

The passing of the Fair Pay Agreements Bill in the House of Representatives is a big win for Kiwi workers. Will you help me share the news?

For too long, New Zealanders working in critical roles like cleaners and bus drivers have lacked bargaining power to improve their wages and working conditions. At the same time, employers trying hard to offer fair terms to their workers are disadvantaged, being undercut in a race to the bottom.

Fair Pay Agreements will help tackle these issues, by enabling minimum standards to be negotiated across industries and occupations. This will not only improve wages and working conditions, it will also encourage businesses to invest in training and level the playing field for employers trying to do the right thing.

You can read more about Fair Pay Agreements here.

This is just one of the ways we’re making sure workers get a fair go. We’ve also lifted the minimum wage, restored meal and rest breaks after National scrapped them, doubled minimum sick leave and more, as part of our efforts to build an economy that works for everyone.

While there’s more to do, I’m proud to be part of a Government that’s looking out for working Kiwis and their families. People are at the heart of Labour’s economic plan, and yesterday’s next step is another example of this in action.

The team will be back in touch soon with another update on all we’re doing to support New Zealanders. For now, though, will you help share yesterday’s news?

Thanks,
Michael Wood

P.S. You might have also heard the news that yesterday marked five years since our Labour Government was sworn in. To celebrate this milestone, check out this quick look at the progress we’ve made on the big issues we were elected to fix.