Media Release BPW NZ

For immediate release

How many Employers think this way?

BPW NZ (The New Zealand Federation of Business and Professional Women) despair at the comments made by Alasdair Thompson of the EMA (Employers and Manufacturers Association) regarding his opinion on why women are often paid less than their male workmates.

The sad thing is that, although a large number of Employers are coming out and saying this comment should never have been made, many of them are saying this should not have been made in public, inferring that they agree with the sentiment behind closed doors.

BPW NZ which is part of the Equal Pay Coalition, developed policy as far back as 1954, on equal pay and have continued to add to it to ensure its members are treated equitably in any job/career they decide to pursue. Having worked tirelessly for more than 40 years to combat the type of thinking that Alasdair Thompson portrays, BPW NZ had hoped that this sort of sentiment and behaviour were a thought of the past, says Vice President-Issues Noeline Reisch

Alasdair Thompson’s apology was not sincere as he qualified it by saying that he still believed the comments he had made to be true, but was unable to come up with any facts or figures to support his claims. He then made things worse when he used bullying tactics on the reporter (female) and stormed out of the interview.

BPW NZ is amazed at the “sympathy” and support being given by people such as Cameron Brewer, Chairman of the Auckland Council’s Business Advisory Panel. Does Cameron Brewer secretly agree with the sentiments expressed by Alasdair Thompson? If so this country is in very poor hands and no progress will be made while people who think in such a way stay in power.

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