Bill to boost wages for contract workers to go before Parliament

Labour MP David Parker's bill will go before Parliament. Photo / Jason Oxenham, NZ Herald

Labour MP David Parker's bill to ensure contract workers such as cleaners, couriers, musicians and fast food delivery workers are paid at equal or higher rates to the minimum wage will go before Parliament.

Mr Parker's Minimum Wage (Contractor Remuneration) Amendment Bill was drawn from the members' bill ballot today.

It will apply to payments under a contract which are remunerated at below the minimum wage.

The examples Mr Parker has included in his bill include newspaper and pamphlet deliveries, telemarketers, security guards, and entertainers including actors, singers and musicians who are paid under a contract for service.

The bill will introduce a minimum rate for such contractors to be paid, calculated to equate with the minimum wage.

Members' bills are those put up by individual MPs rather than the Government. Very few of the opposition member bills make it into law.

However, the gap Mr Parker's bill fills was left after NZ First MP Tracey Martin's bill passed this week.

That bill was to extend clothing allowances given to foster parents so that grandparents and other family caring for orphans and unsupported children in their wider family.

It is expected to benefit about 12,000 children and passed with support from all parties in Parliament. It will take effect from mid 2018.