8 March 2017

Women's Day should mean equal pay

The Green Party is calling on the Government to do something meaningful for the women of New Zealand this International Women’s Day, by picking up a Member’s Bill on pay transparency that’s currently in the ballot.

Green Party MP Jan Logie’s Member’s Bill on Equal Pay would require all employers to publish information about how much men and women are paid.

“Sunlight is the best disinfectant for stale attitudes about women’s role in the workplace and equal pay,” said Green Party spokesperson for women, Jan Logie.

“Ensuring transparency around pay is an easy way to ensure women get being paid fairly – my Bill will make that a reality.

“Paula Bennett yesterday confirmed what many women have known for a long time: the pay gap is really about discrimination, pure and simple.

“Why not go one step further and make a real difference by changing the law about equal pay? Women in New Zealand work hard in every kind of job, every single day. They deserve real action, not just lip service.

“National yesterday saw the writing on the wall and changed their mind about supporting women experiencing domestic violence in the workplace, which was the right thing to do.

“We think they could do the same for equal pay and help women who are fighting to be paid the same pay for the same work.

“International Women’s Day is also a prime opportunity to make a pay offer to Kristine Bartlett, who has been waiting for 18 months for the Government to make good on its commitment and put their money where their mouth is.

“It’s completely unacceptable that the lowest paid workers have had to lead this fight, while the Government first resisted and is now delaying. It’s time to be bold and front up with the money and the legislation,” said Ms Logie.

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