The UCSA employs dozens of people as staff across the UC campus, including at Chiltons, Cafe 1894, Nuts & Bolts, and of course The Foundry. These staff work hard to give us all a great quality of service, while also having to pay the bills that just come with living in a city like Christchurch. They deserve to be paid fairly for their work.

The living wage is calculated by the Living Wage Movement and is based on the principle that people's wages should be enough to pay for basic living expenses, with a little bit left over each week to give life a bit of spice. At the moment, UCSA employees are not all paid at this level, and as someone who spends an embarrassing amount at these businesses (and pays the student services levy each year), this leaves a bad taste in my mouth.

Here's what I'm asking: 1. For the UCSA to pay the living wage (currently $22.75 per hour) to all direct employees as a first step, and 2. To seek accreditation within the next 12 months as a living wage employer from the Living Wage Movement, which would include paying contractors the living wage.

Paying our staff a livable wage is a simple way to show that we value them and appreciate the work that they do. If you've ever grabbed an early morning coffee from Chiltons or a post-exam "whoops that could have gone better" drink from the Foundry, please sign this petition! I'll be handing it over the UCSA on September 13th.