Betrayal Of Women Over Pay Equity Laid Bare In Budget Poll - Time To Reverse Decision
The Post/Freshwater Strategy Poll today shows many New Zealanders oppose the Government axing pay equity claims and making it harder to push for new claims - nearly four out of ten opposed the decision and just over four out of ten said the move damaged their confidence in the Government's commitment to gender equality.
"The Government decided to scrap pay equity for women to pay for tax cuts for business in this year's budget - New Zealanders are seeing that plain and simple and they don't like it," said Fleur Fitzsimons National Secretary Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi.
"This was wage theft and no amount of spin by the Government has convinced many New Zealanders who see the move done under urgency for what is - a betrayal that impacts wives, mothers, daughters and their families.
"It was morally wrong to cancel women's claims for pay equity without telling New Zealanders during the election or even in government, and without a democratic select committee process, but it's not too late for the Government to do the right thing by women.
"This outrageous decision will keep damaging the Government - the PSA calls on the Government to settle the 33 claims it scrapped and restore the pay equity process.
"That will help over 150,000 women get the wage increase they need and deserve and many New Zealanders clearly agree.
"Pay equity is also critical to help many deal with the cost of living which still worries New Zealanders. The poll shows a majority don't think the Budget will help reduce pressures on the household budget from rising prices.
"What's more nearly two thirds worry the Government's spending cuts will damage the public services they rely on. This is what the PSA warned all along.
"The poll should be a wake-up call. New Zealanders are clearly telling the Government it is taking the country in the wrong direction, and is failing women and households. Restoring pay equity and public services would be a start."
Notes
The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi is Aotearoa New Zealand's largest trade union, representing and supporting more than 95,000 workers across central government, state-owned enterprises, local councils, health boards and community groups.
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