Too Little Too Late

Media Statement
2 March, 2016

Statement from Norma Campbell, Midwifery Advisor, New Zealand College of Midwives

Too Little Too Late

The New Zealand College of Midwives will continue its legal action against the Government to improve pay for community midwives despite the announcement today by Health Minister Jonathan Coleman about a backdated pay rise for them.

The College acknowledges the statement released by Health Minister Jonathan Coleman on 2 March publicising a “$2.1 m pay increase for lead maternity carers” but feels it is important for the public to understand that this allocation of funding was included in last year’s Budget. It has taken until now for this money to be paid on a backdated basis to midwives.

This is not a fresh announcement and does not go anywhere near to meeting the needs of community midwives. Before the increase from last year’s Budget community midwives had received only one increase, of 2.5% in eight years. Overall, pay rates for community midwives who provide, the Minister acknowledges, care for 60,000 women and their babies each year are now woefully inadequate.

Midwives believe that the Ministry has been aware of the College’s concerns for some time but has not responded because they are women working for women. Last August the College filed a pay equity claim in the High Court against the Ministry of Health arguing pay discrimination on the basis of gender. The College is arguing that midwives are being paid significantly less than if they worked in comparable male dominated workforces.

Today’s announcement by the Minister will not affect the College’s determination to proceed with its claim.

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