News

An equal pay case taken by New Zealand caregiver Kristine Barlett to argue for higher wages for the primarily female caregiver workforce has been successful, with the employer appeal being dismissed in the courts yesterday.

The case taken by Service and Food Workers' Union (SFWU) member Barlett, was subsequently joined by more than 2500 caregivers from both the SFWU and New Zealand Nurses Organisation. Together they argued that if the work was done by men the pay would be higher.

The next step, barring further appeals, is to work out the path to a fair pay rate. Caregivers are calling on the government to properly fund wages in the sector, and on employers to stop fighting the case and put the money into higher wages instead.

Supporters in New Zealand can contact local MPs to highlight the importance of funding caregiver wages properly - for the benefit of all those who provide care, and use care services, in Aotearoa.

For more information see: http://ontheleftnz.com/2014/10/28/another-step-towards-pay-equity/