A new report from the OECD shows that working people are being left behind by this Government, says New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges.
“The Employment Outlook report for 2026 shows real wages falling faster in New Zealand than anywhere else in the OECD. In real-terms, New Zealand’s working people are earning 6.4% less than they were in 2021.
“Strong unions mean better wages. The OECD calls in this report for collective bargaining to be put at the heart of labour market policies—but this Government has relentlessly attacked working people and their unions since coming to power.
“Last year, 73% of working New Zealanders saw their pay go up by less than inflation, according to Stats NZ. 44% saw no increase at all. Yet those same New Zealanders see the cost of living continuing to climb.
“As the cost-of-living crisis deepens, the Government should be looking for solutions that lift the wages of working people. Instead, they’re making workers’ lives harder by pushing through legislation like the Employment Leave Bill.
“It’s clear that working people aren’t getting back on track. Oil prices are rising, interest rates are increasing, and wages continue to lag behind inflation. How are New Zealanders meant to keep up?”, said Ansell-Bridges.