Major Aotearoa unions have launched a new
petition calling on the Government to reverse their
proposed amendments to the Equal Pay Act and restore
existing pay equity claims.
Unions behind the petition
are home to tens of thousands of working people who’ve
experienced the life-changing impact of pay equity –
including hospital administrators, social workers, nurses,
and Allied health professionals.
“For many people
who work in underpaid, traditionally female-dominated
sectors, pay equity settlements are the difference between
families being able to afford dental appointments, tamariki
going to school camp, or being able to take the car into a
mechanic,” said NZCTU Secretary Melissa
Ansell-Bridges.
“The proposed changes will reverse
decades of progress to correct pay rates for women and
people of all genders working jobs that have been
undervalued due to sexism.
“This is about equity and
justice – but it’s also about dignity and the
cost-of-living,” said Ansell-Bridges.
The petition
calls on the Government to:
- Reverse all
claim cancellations by restoring existing pay
equity claims – including for care and support workers,
teachers, and library assistants. - Undo Equal
Pay Act changes that make it impossible for people
working in female-dominated professions to achieve and keep
pay equity. - Deliver pay equity
settlements to every worker waiting for their
claim.
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In less than 24 hours after the petition
launched, it already has more than 5000
signatures.
Unions supporting the petition
include NZCTU, PSA, E tū, NZEI, NZNO, TEU, New Zealand
Writers Guild and Tertiary Institutes Allied Staff
Association.
