STRONG SUPPORT AS GOVERNMENT ADOPTS PAY EQUITY RECOMMENDATIONS

Thursday, 24th November - The YWCA Auckland is today congratulating the Government’s decision to implement recommendations of the Joint Working Group on Pay Equity. This will see legislation move to update the Equal Pay Act and amend the Employment Relations Act.

YWCA Auckland Chief Executive, Monica Briggs wholeheartedly supports today’s announcement.

“We are delighted to see that the Government has supported all of the recommendations made by the Joint Working Group looking into pay equity principles,” says Briggs, who leads the YWCA Equal Pay Awards and represents the YWCA Auckland on the Pay Equity Coalition Auckland.

“The hard working women of New Zealand will now have a modern day process they can pursue to check gender pay parity and have discrepancies assessed.

“It is a big leap forward to have a process that acknowledges historically undervalued work that is predominately performed by females. We want to congratulate the government, employer groups and unions who were involved in the negotiation of this historic positive outcome,” she says.

While positive about the news, Briggs is keen to see the Government actively support the implementation of recommendations to ensure they are successfully effected.

“Government’s involvement in the execution of these changes is crucial to ensure genuine progress is made and to shift the dial on pay equity in New Zealand,” she adds.

The announcement comes just weeks after winners of the YWCA Equal Pay Awards 2016 were announced. The Awards, sponsored by EY, Coca-Cola Amatil NZ and the SKYCITY Entertainment Group, named ANZ, Simpson Grierson, Youthtown and the New Zealand Guardians of Superannuation as awards recipients for their achievements as equal pay employers.

Overall, a total of 20 progressive New Zealand employers were recognised with a YWCA Equal Pay Best Practice Compact, for effectively demonstrating their commitment to equal pay.

“Equal pay has become a highly visible issue for all New Zealanders. For those organisations not declaring their equal pay status, their silence is deafening,” says Briggs.

“The mantra of the YWCA Equal Pay Awards is that thought leadership is part of the solution. We are proud to share the stories of our own Award winners and finalists, who show us what success looks like and inspire others to follow suit.

“Today's announcement signifies the rising importance of wage equality among New Zealanders and addressing the issue has never been so timely.”

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