E tū welcomes the Labour Party’s announcement on pay equity for care and support workers.
“Care and support workers have been clear for years on the urgency of pay equity. This announcement meets that urgency with real, immediate wage increases that will transform lives,” says E tū National Secretary, Rachel Mackintosh.
“This downpayment, combined with Labour’s commitment to finish the job in 2027 by reversing National’s appalling repeal of pay equity law within 100 days – and the assurance that the work on a care and support settlement will be able to be finalised without us having to retrace our steps – is fantastic news for working women in Aotearoa, and for our whānau and communities.
“We note that this announcement is also made in the context of Barbara Edmonds’ pledge last week to have pay equity for care and support workers settled by her first budget in 2027.
“Workers will get an immediate boost and relief, and will be able to finalise a true pay equity settlement in the few months following.
“These commitments give kiwi voters a clear choice this election: we can vote for a change of government and get real action on the cost of living for workers who support the most vulnerable members of our society. This will be good for everybody.”