Cotton On Pay Inequity w/ Jared Abbott; September 18 2019

Cotton On workers walked off the job on Monday to protest the company's refusal to pay them the living wage. Members of FIRST Union picketed outside the clothing store on Queen Street in Auckland’s CBD. Union members have been attempting to negotiate a pay increase since april this year however they’ve stated that the latest offer they’ve received was “worse than the first”. Cotton on themselves have stated on their website that they are committed towards paying a living wage, however workers in their retail and distribution centers are currently paid under that. Jared Abbott, FIRST Union Secretary for Transport, Logistics and Manufacturing has stated that Cotton On is duping customers with false claims of ethical employment practices. He has also highlighted a severe pay inequity for Pasifika and Maori staff compared to Pākehā workers. William Boyd spoke with Jared about the situation at Cotton On for its employees. William started off by asking him how Monday’s strike went.