Alasdair Thompson's comments demonstrate need for Equal Pay Bill

The Pay Equity Challenge Coalition says that employer spokesperson Alasdair Thompson's outbursts from the last day demonstrate precisely why the Equal Pay Act needs to be modernised and strengthened.

"Alasdair Thompson has provided the perfect example of how some employers demonstrate discriminatory practices and views," said coalition spokesperson Rebecca Matthews.

"The law needs to protect employees from those with outdated and misinformed views of the role of men and women in the workplace," said Matthews. "Catherine Delahunty's Bill allows for greater scrutiny of employer's decisions, in order to ensure fairness."

Rebecca Matthews welcomed the Government distancing themselves from Thompson's comments, but said they needed to do more to protect women workers from similar employer behaviour.

"Kate Wilkinson and her colleagues need to take action on fair pay and support the Equal Pay Amendment Bill. This is a really good way to make sure that Alasdair Thompson's views aren't reflected in a continuing gender pay gap."

ENDS

© Scoop Media