NZCTU Supports The 65,000 Care Workers Impacted By Pay Equity Claim
Tuesday, 21 November 2023, 4:34 pm Press Release: NZCTU
The NZCTU strongly supports unions, including the
Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi, E
tū, National Union of Public Employees, and New Zealand
Nurses Organisation Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa,
in filing a second pay equity claim for 65,000 care and
support workers.
“This claim addresses
ongoing underpayment fuelled by gender-based discrimination
in a sector where a pay equity settlement is long
overdue.
“It is now urgent that employers and
government support this claim process to a speedy
conclusion, with the Care and Support Settlement Act set to
expire on December 31,” said Melissa Ansell-Bridges, NZCTU
Secretary.
“This highly skilled and essential
workforce needs proper recognition for the work they
do.
“The claim covers workers in home-based support
services, aged residential care, mental health, addictions,
and disability support services. It follows unacceptable
delays in the original claim.
"Workers have been left
waiting for far too long for that injustice to be rectified,
going to work every day knowing they're paid less than what
they're worth."
As the Care and Support Workers (Pay
Equity) Settlement Act 2017 approaches its expiration, the
NZCTU urges the incoming Government to intervention to
ensure fair wages for this dedicated
workforce.
The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions Te Kauae Kaimahi brings together over 350,000 New Zealand union members in 40 affiliated unions. We are the united voice for working people and their families in New Zealand.
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