Finally, the Government gets on board with equal pay

The announcement today that the Government is going to work together with unions and other interested groups to achieve equal pay for over 50 000 working women is big step in the right direction, says the Pay Equity Coalition spokesperson, Angela McLeod.

“Even though its illegal, hundreds of thousands of New Zealand women working in a wide range of workplaces and industries are not being paid equal pay for work of equal value, so it is a positive step that there will be a joint working group to develop principles for addressing claims for equal pay for other sectors of the workforce.”

“The landmark case taken by Kristine Bartlett’s union has been successful in proving that the New Zealand Equal Pay Act 1972 provides for payment according to the principle of equal treatment between men and women workers.”

“It has taken brave working women over 40 years to get to this point – we’re pleased the Government has finally seen the sense in joining us, both in negotiating a fair value for the work of caregivers and support workers, and working towards the principles of equal pay.”

“At last the Government is willing to work with unions to make a difference to the lives of New Zealand women, their families and their communities.”

“We have a proud history of equality in this country and we commend the leadership taken by the unions and others in our fight for equal pay. We salute the committed work of equal pay activists and leaders over many decades and years to protect the Equal Pay Act.” Ms McLeod says.

ENDS

© Scoop Media