Antidote NZ

I am not really sure how the first ladies example of the stalker is any way relatable to her wage? This can happen in any industry of any wage group. Ridiculous example

Her ex-colleagues story illustrates what its like to be a young woman in a low-wage job, Winter says.... please explain how? Are you suggesting that all young women in low-wage jobs are sexually or inappropriately harrased? Or are you trying to draw a long bow and suggest that because they are young women in low-wage jobs they are unable to stand up for themselves or have management do something?

Not really a great reflection of it. Still pushing womans agenda while failing to acknowledge 40% of males receive minimum wage too - thats a decent split.Focus on the real issues.

When I was a young woman in a low-wage job, I was sexually harassed. I worked in hospitality, and back then, it seemed to pretty much be the nature of the job. In my experience, young women in low-paid jobs dont have the confidence to speak up because a) theyre worried about losing their job and b) they dont think that anything will be done, even if they do speak up. From what Ive seen, the more confident young women arent in the low-paid jobs, or at least arent as vulnerable in the low-paid jobs.Now, Im in my 30s, in a low-paid job and I do not have the same issues. In my experience, the culture of the low-paid jobs has not changed much, but I dont have the same fears I had year ago. Now, if I have an issue, I speak up, and management sorts it. I dont fear losing my job as Im aware of the laws, my rights, and my responsibilities (I wasnt so aware of this when I was younger) and most importantly, I have the support of my husband.So I think, based on what Ive seen/lived, its more of a confidence issue than a pay issue. But often, women in these lower paid jobs are lacking in confidence.

Not really sure this is a story about minimum wage as it would be no better if they pay was double or even 10 times more

I still think there should be a tax free rate for any wages of say $14k or below, like they have in Aus/UK etc, oh wait were too stingy to do that...

Have you ever actually broken it down? You might be surprised. When you understand the way their pay works, and the hours worked for that pay, theyre on insultingly little, for the important work they do.

So the guy visiting the DVD store knew how much she was being paid?

As someone who has worked in these minimum wage jobs I can tell you that putting up with harassment is often part of the job. Some bosses put customers first no matter what the circumstances. A lone retail worker is pretty vulnerable to this kind of treatment. With the expectation of service with a smile, predators are very aware of the fact that we have to be nice to them!

... its about challenging the norms and behaviours in New Zealand.Yeah, the norms. I mean, what man amongst us hasnt bought the occasional unsolicited item of consumer electronics for a random retail clerk?

I disagree. Opportunities aren't always fairly given and choices aren't always available to everyone due to things out of their control.

Anyone doing a documentary on the harsh realities of men on minimal wage?

Lets just concentrate on all people beating themselves to death trying to live on the minimum wage. Exclusivising it to highlight only women is sexist in itself as almost as many men have the same wage impediment. All on those pathetic, insulting wages suffer badly. Its a damn shame for a supposedly first world country that so many people live this way! Lets shine a light on the whole problem, then, integrity will be restored.

Most female dominated industries are either public (nurses, teachers, midwives etc) or low return indutries (retail, hairdressing, food etc) that some fail to see value in their work. Both my wife and step-daughter have had troubles in regards to fair pay (by my standing that is) but, it is most unfortunate, neither wanted to upset their managers/bosses by asking for a pay rise. It only takes for them to leave for them ask if they want a pay rise (as, imo, they are both hard workers and care about their jobs). Why do employers put women into such a scenario, specially where their managers/bosses are women themselves. Anyway, I cant wait to see it, carry on with the great work Kathleen!!!

Every weekend, I give the checkout staff at my local Pak n Save a new iPod

Dont be ridiculous, equality is only achieved when women have 50% of everything (except stress, pressure, expectation, experience...etc). Ok well basically equality is women having 50% of the money.

Yes.

No experienced person should ever be on minimum wage..its an insult. I friends daughter works in a cafe in Aussie..gets paid 13 an hour... There are very few jobs where the minimum wage is justified. You simply can not live on that income. Every person has a right to earn enough to feed their family.

What about the Mental health problem, the 65 year old man obviously has some issues, clearly her wage had nothing to do with that at all, or where she worked. This kind of nonsense is becoming tiresome. I do feel for the lady though you should not have to put up with some dude creeping on you. thats where a boss should step in with a firm you need to... to the man.

There are great employers in NZ - e.g., Paul Kelly who shouted his staff to Vegas - but people too often have this misplaced loyalty to a company and/or a boss. If the balance sheet doesnt add up, a boss/company will cut staff. If a boss takes a dislike you, they will restructure you out of a job. Like I say, there are some good employers, but they are the exception not the rule.