12. DARIEN FENTON (Labour) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
Does she stand by all her answers to Oral Question No 10 yesterday?
Does she stand by her statement that “We are aware that for those people on the minimum wage, budgeting is tight.”; if so, does she support increasing the minimum wage to $15 an hour to make it easier for minimum-wage workers who are facing tight budgets?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
Yes, to the first part of that question. To the second part of that question, although we would all like a high minimum wage—and even $15 an hour is a high minimum wage—if it results in the loss of 6,000 jobs, then we do not think that that is a very helpful, supportive, or practical solution for those young people who are trying to get employment.
Jacinda ArdernWas her comment “If you’ve got somebody who is 16 who is wanting a job and someone who is 30 at the same price, then who is the employer going to employ?” an admission that a youth minimum wage will shift the issue of unemployment from one group to another?
Hon KATE WILKINSON Link to this
In answer to the first part of the question, yes; to the second part, no.