Environment Canterbury celebrate kick-starting Living Wage accreditation

Environment Canterbury will soon apply to be an accredited Living Wage employer.

After Council asked staff to begin the process in July, the Living Wage Movement visited this week to acknowledge the journey Environment Canterbury has been on and celebrate with Councillors and staff.

As part of the celebration, it was announced Environment Canterbury’s main cleaning provider is the latest to receive the living wage after Council voted to pay the living wage to all Canterbury public transport drivers in 2021. This follows on from the steps already taken to ensure that all its own staff are paid at or above the living wage.

Outgoing chair Jenny Hughey was delighted to get the process of accreditation kick-started, especially as it came before she departed the role next month.

“We’ve been on the living wage pathway since it started, and I couldn’t be more proud to see us apply for accreditation during my term. I’m very passionate about wage levels.”

Outgoing Chair Jenny Hughey and Living Wage Movement community organiser Nathaniel Herz-Edinger celebrate with cake.

Appreciation for a collaborative effort

Environment Canterbury Chief Executive Dr Stefanie Rixecker not only gave credit to the Living Wage Movement, but also to staff for their part in getting an application for accreditation ready.

“Council recognised the wider ripple this would have on the workforce going forward and I appreciate them giving us as staff the mandate to act and get this done.”

Living Wage Movement community organiser Nathaniel Herz-Edinger thanked Council for their support.

“You listened to the movement, and we found ways to work together on this collaboratively. It was also a pleasure to work with the PSA and their delegates. Taking the first step can be a big move and I’m sure it’s not the end, but just the beginning.”

Environment Canterbury will be the first regional council to become an accredited Living Wage employer.