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.
The trades & vocational training are to receive a boost from the government, placing them at the center stage in schools.
More than 85,000 students will talk to around 4000 employers at events to promote vocational education in schools.
Furthermore, the Government is funding more than 300 schools with $3000 each to run trades-based events to give both students and teachers the opportunity to connect with and explore industry-specific careers. Most will take place in terms one and two this year.
It comes as the Government unveils a $12 billion infrastructure programme to build and upgrade roads, rail, schools, and hospitals, creating thousands of new jobs up and down the country.
Louis spoke with Sam Haggard, Strategic Researcher with E Tu Education, about the announcement.
Justin and Conor discuss the result of the general election in the Republic of Ireland, after left-wing republican party, Sinn Fienn broke a center right duopoly of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail, whom have ruled for almost a century.
Today on the Wire, Jessica Hopkins talks to Nicola Keen-Biggelaar from Drowning Prevention Auckland about World Drowning Prevention Day.
Producer Louis Macalister spoke to Jason Young, a Professor in Politics and International Relations at Victoria University and the Director of the New Zealand Contemporary China Research Center about New Zealand condemning numerous cyber-attacks associated with the Chinese government.
Then, Louis discusses Katuku Island, the first fully Maori video game, with developer Dr Phyllis Callaghan.
Louis also interviewed Tania Meads, the Director of criminal justice organisation JustSpeak about her thoughts on the Police Association’s recent call for better access to firearms.
Finally, Jessica talks to Dr Mels Barton from The Tree Council about Stop the Chop, a new campaign aimed at stopping the cutting down of mature trees in New Zealand’s cities.
Last Tuesday, over 120 psychologists employed by the Ministry of Education working in schools and early childhood centers began a month-long strike. The strike action involves the psychologists refusing to accept further referrals of cases onto their caseload.
News and Editorial Director Jemima Huston speaks to Dr Deborah Powell, the National Secretary for APEX Union, about the strike. They discuss why there is such a significant difference in conditions for Ministry Psychologists compared to DHB Psychologists.
95bFM 
