21 February 2018
Bill lodged to help women get a fair deal in the workplace
Maungakiekie MP Denise Lee has lodged as a Private Members’ Bill the previous Government’s pay equity legislation to
ensure female-dominated occupations are not discriminated against in the workplace.
“This Bill creates a practical and fair process for employees to follow if they feel they are not being paid what their
job is worth,” Ms Lee says.
The Bill was developed by the last National Government after recommendations from the Joint Working Group on Pay Equity
Principles.
“It is staggering that the new Labour-led Government wants to redo this work. The work has been done, the joint working
group deliberated, but we are back at square one.
“We need to make immediate progress on improving gender equality in the workplace. Women in New Zealand need a clear
process and need it now.
“This Bill allows parties to work together to address the gender-based undervaluation of certain professions.
“This Bill is a significant step toward closing the gender pay gap by ensuring female-dominated jobs are paid fairly.
"Women in undervalued and inequitable situations deserve better.”
ends