Te Pai Ora SSPA, the national organisation representing community-based social service providers, is raising serious concerns about sweeping changes to the Equal Pay Act announced by the Government today. The amendments threaten to halt progress on the Social Service Workers Pay Equity Claim — one of 33 claims now at risk — and could undermine years of work to achieve fair pay for kaimahi across the sector.

The proposed amendments will end the progress of the claim – a long-standing issue for many in the sector. Te Pai Ora SSPA has been acting as sector coordinator and representative.

The Social Service Workers Pay Equity claim covers around 1200 workers from eight representative provider organisations, this is estimated to be about 10% of the overall social sector workforce. 70% of the kaimahi who will be impacted by today’s decision are female.

“Our sector is already under immense pressure, with many providers facing funding cuts and reductions to critical services to children and whānau,” says Belinda Himiona, Chief Executive of Te Pai Ora SSPA.

“These proposed changes to the Equal Pay Act add another layer of uncertainty and concern. Our kaimahi work tirelessly to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children and whānau, and it is important that their efforts are recognised and fairly compensated.”

The Social Services Workers Pay Equity Claim covers a range of roles including Youth Workers, Family Support Workers, Financial Mentors, Foodbank Co-ordinators, Therapists, as well as a wide range of roles providing support for front-line services.

“The claim has already faced delays and complications due to policy changes by the government last year. Today’s announcement introduces new barriers,” says Himiona.

In response, Te Pai Ora SSPA has been forced to pause further work on the claim while seeking clarity of the full implications of the changes.

Te Pai Ora SSPA is concerned that the Government intends to amend the Equal Pay Act under urgency, limiting opportunities for submissions and public consultation. The organisation strongly believes that any changes to the Act must be made with the full picture and an understanding of the impacts from the sector and those directly affected.

“The Social Service Workers claim covers a wide range of critical roles that provide essential services to children and families across Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Himiona.

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