Kmart workers in line for pay rise

Kmart staff have signed a newdealwith the retail giant that includes paying them the living wage. First Union secretary for retail and finance Taliwilliams said Kmartwas the first major retailer to negotiate a newcollective agreement that includes the current living wage. Under the agreement, newemployees at Kmartwould receive at least the current livingwage of $22.10 per hour after six months experience, and pay rates would also increase for coordinators and distribution centre workers as well as salesworkers. The living wage in New Zealand is currently $22.10, but will increase to $22.75 in September. According to the Livingwage campaign, a not-for-profit group advocating for the livingwage around the country, a livingwage is the income necessary to provide workers and their familieswith the basic necessities of life. Williams said the offerwas significant and set the bar for other major retail chains currently in bargaining with their workers, such as Bunnings, Briscoes, Cotton On and H&M.