E tū welcomes Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds’ commitment to settle the care and support workers’ pay equity claim by her first Budget, saying delivery would mark a historic advance for 65,000 workers and their families.
The pledge builds on Labour leader Chris Hipkins’ commitment to pass legislation restoring pay equity within 100 days of taking office, with care and support workers first in line for a settlement.
E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says the commitment recognises the determination of workers who have spent years fighting for their work to be properly valued.
“Barbara Edmonds and Labour have given care and support workers a clear commitment and a deadline. Delivering this settlement by a new Labour government’s first Budget will be a historic achievement for workers who have waited far too long,” Rachel says.
“Care and support workers support older people and disabled people to live with dignity and independence. They bring skill, experience and judgment to work that carries enormous responsibility. Their wages must reflect that.”
The commitment is the latest development in a struggle stretching back decades. Kristine Bartlett’s landmark equal pay case, lodged in 2012 with union backing, challenged the undervaluation of work predominantly done by women. It led to the historic 2017 settlement, lifting wages for tens of thousands of care and support workers.
“Kristine Bartlett and her fellow union members changed lives by standing together and challenging discrimination that had been accepted for generations,” Rachel says.
“The 2017 settlement was a historic victory. Settling the current claim is the next essential step for pay equity, building on that achievement and recognising the value of care and support work today.
“Restoring the legislation within 100 days and completing this settlement by the first Budget would turn a promise of fairness into a concrete result for 65,000 workers.”
E tū home support worker Tamara Baddeley says:
“As one of the thousands of care and support workers who had their pay equity claims scrapped in 2025, it is fantastic to hear Chris Hipkins commit publicly to reinstating the Pay Equity legislation, within Labour’s first 100 days in power.
“This is a huge start, and I look forward to seeing the commitment delivered in our pay packets as quickly as possible.
“I, and all care workers, look forward to the day the care and support worker claim is settled in full, with a comprehensive regular review mechanism built in to the legislation.”
Rachel says fair pay for care and support workers will also benefit communities and the wider economy.
“Care and support workers put money into their communities every payday. They buy groceries, pay for transport, get their cars repaired and support local businesses. Better pay means more security for their families and more money flowing through local economies.
“Their work also helps family members remain in paid employment, knowing their loved ones have the support they need. This workforce makes an enormous contribution to New Zealand.”
E tū says workers and their unions will keep campaigning to ensure the commitment is delivered.
“Our members have kept organising and speaking out through years of delays and setbacks. This commitment reflects their determination and the strength of their case.
“We welcome Labour’s pledge. A new Labour government will have the opportunity to make its first Budget a milestone for pay equity. Care and support workers look forward to seeing that opportunity deliver for them and all our communities.”