The Wire with Stewart Sowman-Lund

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.

On the Show this Wednesday!

On Dear Science with AUT’s Allan Blackman we talk french postmen and their testicles, the number 42, and deadly sinky sludge

Will spoke to Jarrod Abbot about recent Cotton On worker strikes on Queen Street

Tuwhenuaroa did a report on Operation Burnham, and the inquiries going around the attacks that took place.

For decades, dairy farming has been damaging New Zealand’s environment, and new legislation aiming to protect our rivers and wetlands is coming into action. However, some groups have been wary of these changes, believing it will negatively impact the industry and its economic contributions. In response, a study was commissioned by Forest & Bird, Greenpeace, and Fish and Game to understand the economic impacts of this new freshwater legislation (if any)! To find out more about the legislation and report, Olivia Holdsworth spoke to Forest & Bird’s Annabeth Cohen and began by asking why we even need freshwater legislation in the first place.

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Education Minister Chris Hipkins announced plans last week to make the teaching of New Zealand history compulsory in schools. Reporter Felix Walton spoke to University of Auckland senior history lecturer Dr Aroha Harris to find out more, and started by asking whether New Zealanders know much about NZ history.