The Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand is a member of the Global Living Wage Affiliate Network.

The diversity of economic conditions around the world means that it is not practical to think in terms of setting one fixed benchmark of pay or one fixed approach at global level.

Multinational employers have highlighted the challenges of finding partners that can offer a credible approach to help them meet their Living Wage commitments across global operations with some holding back on accrediting their organisations until they have a consistent approach in the other countries in which they operate.

To tackle this issue, the Living Wage Foundation (UK) launched the Global Living Wage Affiliate Network, which offers multi-country accreditation. Aotearoa is the newest member, joining the United States and the United Kingdom.

By creating alignment in a range of areas while maintaining local specificity, the network encourages and makes it easier for leading multinational employers to take a truly global position on paying a real Living Wage to all their directly employed and contracted staff. 

'The Living Wage Foundation is absolutely delighted that the Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand has joined the Global Living Wage Affiliate Network. We have worked closely with the movement ever since they visited our UK offices in 2012 to share experiences, so it is a significant milestone to finally be formally affiliated with them,' says Katherine Chapman, Director of the Living Wage Foundation, UK.

'The strength of the Living Wage community movement across Aotearoa New Zealand has enabled them to achieve major successes with the New Zealand government implementing a Living Wage for their staff, as well as whole industries such as the banking sector.'

Multinational employers are stepping up to meet their responsibilities in supporting achievement of the SDGs, including provision of Living Wages. Chapman says an aligned approach across multiple countries is a big step in the right direction.

The Global Living Wage Affiliate Network offers multinational employers a robust approach to provision of Living Wages across global operations. Therefore, members of the network must demonstrate that they have shared values and principles on methodology, calculation, accreditation policy, and compliance. 

'Reaching the standard required for affiliation is no easy task and I am so pleased that the Living Wage Movement in New Zealand passed the test so impressively,' says Mark Sparkes, Sustainability Director of Linklaters, and Review Panelist for the GLW Affiliate Network.

'Building a global network is essential if we are to bring to life the idea of each and every employer paying a fair wage wherever they may be. New Zealand’s success is another important step in achieving that benchmark of responsible employment.' says Sparkes.

'The people in our Movement, our robust accreditation system, and independently calculated rate have led to the Living Wage becoming the benchmark for decent pay in Aotearoa-New Zealand,' says Gina Lockyer, Executive Director, Living Wage Movement Aotearoa New Zealand.

'Our accredited Living Wage Employers also play a vital role in this. They take the concept of a Living Wage and make it a reality. For us, it’s the right time to support more multinational employers to get on board. Joining the Global Living Wage Affiliate Network is the way to make this happen.

It's one less barrier to accreditation, and one more step towards more Kiwi workers being paid a Living Wage – and the positive impact on whānau and communities cannot be underestimated.'

You can read more about our membership to the Global Living Wage Affiliate Network here.