Equal Pay Decision Welcomed

The New Zealand Federation of Business & Professional Women (BPW NZ) is pleased with the outcome of yesterday’s Employment Court decision regarding the Equal Pay Case lodged by the Service & Food Workers Union (SFWU) and Kristine Bartlett.

The Employment Court found that the SFWU correctly interpreted the Equal Pay Act to mean that large occupational groups of women workers should receive a rate of pay equal to what would be paid to men if that workplace were male-dominated.

“This decision by the Employment Court is great news for women,” says Carolyn Savage, President BPW NZ

“Equal pay for work of equal value has been BPW NZ policy since the 1940's and we are pleased to see the interpretation of the Equal Pay Act 1972 clarified.

"We applaud the courage of Kristine Bartlett to carry through with the claim.

“Lack of equal pay as shown by the gender pay gap is an economic issue with research showing that a reduction in the gender pay gap increases GDP, a key measure of economic performance.

“Now that the Employment Court has clarified Equal Pay for work of Equal Value, we look forward to seeing necessary changes implemented by all stakeholders.

“ The Government, public sector business and those in the private sector need to take this decision on board.

“Empowering women through equal pay is one way to lift our economic performance,” says Mrs Savage.

“And we all want that.”

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