LIVING WAGE WEEK2015Emily Kenway

Campaign ManagerLiving Wage Foundation

Where we came from and what we mean

OUR ROOTS• 2001, parents +TELCO• Early successes incl. St Bart’s and KPMG

THE CRITERIA• Hourly rate of pay• Calculated annually according to the cost of living • Applicable to all those over 18• Contract workers are included – 2 hours or more per day, 8

consecutive weeks per year• Only non-deferred guaranteed bonuses are included

Citizens UK organises communities to act together for power, social justice and the common good.

Developing the capacity and skills of members of socially and economically disadvantaged communities so that members are better able to fully participate in society.

www.refugees-welcome.org.uk

The Living Wage Foundation

Established 2011 to create a coherent and valuable brand & win more wages.

We say the Living Wage is:• Good for business• Good for family• Good for society

We recognise and celebrate the leadership shown by Living Wage Employers across the UK. • Accreditation• Intelligence• Influence

Our parent charity remains

HOT OFF THE PRESS!

• 18-24 MINIMUM WAGE =£6.70 • 25+ MINIMUM WAGE = £7.20 (April 2016)

Current Context: UK picture

• 5.9 million working people paid less than the LW in UK

• 19% of jobs in London pay less than LW AND 13.8% in Islington

• 1.3m more women than men in jobs paid less than the LW in UK

Workers who’ve had a pay rise from accredited LW

employers since Nov 2014:

29,011

How we win Living WagesBRANDTactic: making the LW a business-friendly brandMethod: accreditation, media and map

How we win Living Wages

PROVEN BENEFITS Tactic: use business language and proof to show it’s not just about ethicsMethod: regular releases of credible research

• 70% of consumers would choose to shop with a Living Wage accredited retailer instead of one who isn’t

• 25% reduction in absenteeism• Improved turnover rates and recruitment calibre• Improved family wellbeing

How we win Living Wages

PRESSURETactic: demonstrate direct demand for the Living WageMethods: protests; shareholder activism; local organising; influencers

Fighting with government cleaners

WHAT HAPPENED:• Citizens UK = working with the cleaners of Whitehall

for many years• This year, they left letters asking for the LW on the desk

of the minister they clean for• Threatened with disciplinary action

WHAT WE DID NEXT:• Protest action – letter writing and testimony• Covered across the media• Cleaning company confirms no disciplinary action

= we won the battle, but not yet the war!

The Living Wage People’s Movement

Taking action for the Living Wage

Inform• Who would benefit from knowing more? • Employers• Service Users

Engage and encourage• Send information• Request meetings• Competitors / peers• Ask us to contact

Use us!

Employer Site: WWW.LIVINGWAGE.ORG.UK

Campaign Site: WWW.LIVINGWAGEMOVEMENT.ORG