Fight for pay equity goes on

The CTU will put its weight behind the call for the reinstatement of the Government’s axed pay equity investigations for school support staff and social workers. Unions, community groups and women’s organisations joined Labour and Green politicians yesterday and demanded action at the launch of a petition in Parliament House, Wellington.

‘It is unacceptable to use the excuse of the recession to justify the continued underpayment of women doing important work essential to our communities,’ said CTU President Helen Kelly. The Government suspended the two enquiries on 20 February, saying it would cost too much to implement their findings.

‘There is massive public support for fair and equal pay for women and a lot of momentum behind this campaign,’ continued Kelly. ‘We will continue to highlight the injustice of these female workers being denied fairness. How can the Government say it will cost too much to right a proven wrong? There is no price on discrimination.’

Copies of the petition are attached below to print out.