Greens propose to abolish training wage
The New Zealand Green Party is proposing to abolish the training wage, arguing it traps apprentices in poverty and fails to incentivize trade uptake. The party suggests that fair pay is essential for economic development and supporting workers who are often older and re-entering the workforce.
Why it matters
This proposal highlights a significant policy debate regarding labor market regulations, minimum wage structures, and the effectiveness of financial incentives for vocational training.
The Green Party would abolish the training wage, saying people should not be forced to live in poverty while they learn on the job.
Currently, the adult minimum wage is $23.95, while the training and starting out minimum wage are $19.16 - set at 80 percent of the adult wage.
But the Green Party's co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said apprentice numbers were at a 15-year low.
"Low pay, insecure work, and a lack of pastoral support mean that instead of focusing on learning their trade, our apprentices spend too much time worried about making ends meet. We can fix that."
Swarbrick said abolishing the training wage would mean apprentices were paid properly for their work.
ACT is campaigning to reduce the training wage to 60 percent of the minimum wage, which it would also freeze for three years.
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