Carers’ pay equity highlighted on Human Rights Day
Press Statement
E tū Union: Tuesday, 10 December 2024
On International Human Rights Day, E tū is calling on the Government to help
fix gender-based pay discrimination by delivering pay equity for care and
support workers.
E tū is the union for care and support workers, including those working in
residential aged care, home support, disability support, and mental health
and addictions. Over 65,000 care workers in Aotearoa New Zealand have been
in a prolonged process for a pay equity settlement.
E tū Community Support Services Industry Council Convenor, Marianne Bishop,
says it’s important to acknowledge the disparity on International Human
Rights Day.
“The underpayment of people working in the care sector is a global issue,
which reflects the undervaluation of work traditionally done by women,”
Marianne says.
“In Aotearoa, we made some progress with Kristine Barlett’s historic equal
pay settlement in 2017, but the pay has slipped back to near the minimum
wage.
“A decent and enduring pay equity settlement is well overdue. Carers do this
job because we want to make a real difference, and help people live their
lives with dignity. Poor rates of pay are taking advantage of our commitment
to helping people.
“By valuing care and support workers, we also show that we value the
vulnerable elderly and disabled people who they care for.”
E tū National Secretary, Rachel Mackintosh, says fixing pay equity is an
important human rights issue.
“Human Rights Day commemorates the anniversary of one of the world’s most
groundbreaking global pledges: the Universal Declaration of Human Rights
(UDHR),” Rachel says.
“This landmark document enshrines the rights that everyone is entitled to as
a human being – regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, language,
political or other opinion, national or social origin, property, birth or
other status.
“To honour our commitment to human rights, we must end gender-based pay
discrimination. Aotearoa has had some significant pay equity victories, but
care and support workers are still waiting – and they’re fed up.
“It comes down to a political choice. The Government has prioritised tax
cuts for landlords and tobacco companies, but won’t front up to pay women
fairly.
“They must choose a different path, to prioritise working people and our
communities. A decent and enduring pay equity settlement would be an
excellent start.”
E tū is part of the Pay Equity Coalition Aotearoa (PECA), an alliance of
civil society organisations working together to bridge the gender pay gap.
Last Updated 10/10/2024
RESOURCES
- E tū
- Pay Equity Coalition Aotearoa (PECA)
- Human Rights Day
- Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR)
