Source: New Zealand Nurses Organisation
Tōpūtanga Tapuhi Kaitiaki o Aotearoa NZNO has welcomed Labour’s promised pay rise for care and support workers as a first step. It says care and support workers now need a full settlement of their pay equity claim and a workable pay equity system for all of its members.
Labour today promised to restore pay equity legislation in its first 100 days. It also promised care and support workers a $4 an hour pay rise from 1 January 2027, which is about $160 a week before tax for an average full-time worker.
NZNO says the pay rise is good news, but it is not pay equity.
An extra $160 a week will make a real difference for care and support workers who are struggling to cover the basics. But a pay rise isn’t pay equity, these workers need their claim settled in full.
NZNO also needs to see a clear commitment to resolve pay equity issues for all of our members, including our current claims for nurses at Plunket and Hospice. Our members should not be working for less because they are predominately women.
NZNO is calling for a workable pay equity system that enables all its members to achieve pay equity.
Health is a key issue this election. We need every party to commit to investing in health, including fair pay for the people who deliver it,