Green and Labour Parties Pledge to Restore Pay Equity

The Green Party of Aotearoa New Zealand and the Labour Party have pledged to reverse the coalition government's overhaul of the Equal Pay Act and settle long-standing pay equity claims for approximately 65,000 care and support workers. These commitments follow an open letter from 29 unions and community organizations demanding that the next government settle the claim within its first 100 days based on an agreed undervaluation of 24 to 38 percent.

The Green Party has allocated approximately $4.5 billion over four years to fund the settlement, proposing a wealth tax to cover the costs. Co-leader Marama Davidson accused the current administration of "butchering" the pay equity regime, noting that workers currently earn $7 to $10 less per hour than they should. The Labour Party also committed to reversing the legislative changes within 100 days, with Finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds promising a deal by the first budget following the November 7 general election.

These proposals contrast with the current government's position. Finance Minister Nicola Willis stated that the previous overhaul of the Equal Pay Act saved approximately $12.8 billion over four years by removing the right for female-dominated workforces to pursue claims. The Public Service Association supported the opposition's pledges, arguing that a 30 percent pay uplift would provide full-time workers an additional $350 per week and potentially lift 11,000 children out of poverty.