Labour pledges to restore pay equity in New Zealand

The New Zealand Council of Trade Unions (NZCTU) has expressed support for a pledge by Labour leader Chris Hipkins to restore pay equity within the first 100 days of a new government. The commitment, made during a meeting in Christchurch, includes prioritizing care and support workers for settlements.

NZCTU Secretary Melissa Ansell-Bridges noted that the current government previously passed legislation that canceled 33 ongoing pay equity claims, affecting over 180,000 workers, including nurses, teachers, and librarians. The NZCTU is calling on other political parties to match Labour’s commitment and provide clear funding plans to address the historic undervaluation of female-dominated professions.