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.
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“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.
