The government says settlements had cost the Crown $1.78 billion dollars a year.
Photo: 123rf
The Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner says she has serious concerns about the proposed overhaul of equal pay law.
The government is planning to limit the scope of pay equity claims and raise the threshold of proof, making it harder to prove a job has been historically undervalued.
It said settlements had cost the Crown $1.78 billion dollars a year.
The Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Gail Pacheco said any savings for the government would come from the pockets of women working in jobs that were undervalued.
Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Gail Pacheco.
Photo: Supplied
“It’s also concerning that the government is putting a stop to progress made to current claims that thousands of individuals have contributed to in good faith.
“Their hard work deserves to be respected, not undone,” she said.
This included current claims from teachers, residential support workers, psychologists, education advisors, vet nurses, service managers and administration and clerical workers.
“As Kiwis we believe in giving everyone a fair go. That includes making sure people working in jobs dominated by women are paid fairly and valued for their work.”
Professor Pacheco said making these changes under urgency didn’t allow for appropriate consultation with affected groups, and that the changes conflicted with government obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, such as taking proactive steps to address pay disparities and promote equitable outcomes for Māori.
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