Wednesday, February 08, 2012



Miserly

That's the only way to describe the government's 50 cent increase in the minimum wage. Yes, its higher than inflation (unlike last year) - but it shows that they have absolutely no commitment to reducing inequality or raising the living standards of those outside their small clique of rich pricks at the top. Indeed, this decision is about preserving existing inequality - because minimum wage rises ratchet up wages elsewhere in the economy, and fairer wages would impact directly on the 1%'s profits.

Meanwhile, Australia has an A$15 minimum wage, worth about NZ$19.45 at current exchange rates. And the government wonders why more kiwis than ever are fleeing across the Tasman. But that, I guess, is how the market "sorts itself out": by people becoming economic refugees to get a decent wage.