The Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner has expressed serious concerns over an overhaul of the Equal Pay Act to make taking claims more difficult.

“As Kiwis we believe in giving everyone a fair go. That includes making sure people working in jobs dominated by women are paid fairly and valued for their work,” says Equal Employment Opportunities Commissioner Professor Gail Pacheco.

Pay equity claims aim to balance often longstanding inequities between men and women doing work of equal value. They are an important part of broader goals for gender equality and equal opportunities across all aspects of life.

The announced changes include limiting the scope of claims, setting higher thresholds, and requiring more evidence of inequities.

“The significant savings to the Government will come from the pockets of women working in jobs that are undervalued,” says Professor Pacheco.

"It’s also concerning that the government is putting a stop to progress made to current claims that thousands of individuals have contributed to in good faith. Their hard work deserves to be respected, not undone." This includes current claims from teachers, residential support workers, psychologists, education advisors, vet nurses, service managers and administration and clerical workers.

Professor Pacheco notes that making these changes under urgency doesn’t allow for appropriate consultation with affected groups, and that these changes conflict with Government obligations under Te Tiriti o Waitangi, such as taking proactive steps to address pay disparities and promote equitable outcomes for Māori.

“Our parliamentary processes are in place to protect democratic participation rights and should not be circumvented, especially on an issue like this which has significant consequences for so many people,” she says.

“We urge the government to reconsider its approach, undertake the appropriate parliamentary process, and advance legislation that upholds the rights of all people in the workplace.”

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