CTU media release

5 March 2009

Women keeping watch on working rights

Working women must be vigilant that their quest for parity and opportunity in the workplace does not fall victim to the recession, CTU President Helen Kelly said today. Speaking to mark International Working Women’s Day on March 8th, Kelly said that unions everywhere are very concerned about how the economic crisis will impact on women’s employment.

“The New Zealand Government’s recent decision to suspend two enquiries into pay and employment equity for its own female employees is a very serious concern,” said Helen Kelly. “We’ll be keeping a very close eye on women’s jobs and won’t allow their working conditions to go backwards.”

As the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) reports1 that pay inequity worldwide is higher than official government figures suggest, and that women bear a disproportionate brunt of job losses in the recession, it is important to look at how to protect women workers and create jobs. The ITUC’s evidence showing that trade union membership leads to much better incomes for both women and men, as well as greater equity, confirms the vital role that unions must play in promoting fair treatment for women at work.

ENDS