PSA Supports Peoples' Select Committee On Undemocratic Pay Equity Changes
The PSA welcomes the launch today of a People's select committee to hear the views of women, pay equity experts and other New Zealanders on the Government's rushed changes to the Pay Equity Act.
The legislation, which has slammed the brakes on pay equity claims for more than 150,000 underpaid, mainly female workers of was never signaled during the election campaign and rushed through the House under urgency without a select committee process.
"The people whose livelihoods were seriously impacted by this undemocratic legislation should have had a chance to have their say, National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons says.
"We call on the Government to do what's fair - repeal the law and let women, unions, employers and pay equity experts have their say in a proper select committee process.
We want to be heard so that New Zealand women have a pay equity system that works. This is how a democracy is supposed to operate," Fitzsimons says.
"We thank and acknowledge Former National MP Marilyn Waring and the other former MPs who will serve on the Select Committee. However, in a properly functioning democracy the Government Ministers responsible should have done what they are paid to do and set up a proper select committee process."
"Women, unions and employers have spent hours and thousands of dollars working on the detailed hard graft of pay equity claims, and this work should be recognised by having their say in a proper select committee process.
"The Public Service Association Te Pūkenga Here Tikanga Mahi PSA will support the work of the committee and be making a submission and that we will seek repeal of the 2025 amendments and instead a focus on speeding up settlements under the Act.
"The changes to the Act are a betrayal of the principles of equality we assumed were now settled and it was just gutting when the betrayal became real on budget day. The changes were shocking and hurtful."
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
41 minutes ago
- Scoop
Greenpeace Lights Up Fonterra HQ With NZers' Passionate Calls For Environmental Action
This morning, Fonterra's Auckland headquarters were lit up by Greenpeace with dozens of messages from New Zealanders, who are calling on the dairy giant to take responsibility for its environmental impact. These messages included that of Gail, who said 'With a dairy farm background I feel sad our dairy industry continues to pollute'. Greenpeace spokesperson Sinéad Deighton-O'Flynn says 'Fonterra is New Zealand's worst environmental polluter. They're cooking the climate with superheating methane gas, contaminating rural communities' drinking water with harmful levels of nitrate, and destroying the rainforests of Southeast Asia for cheap cow feed. 'New Zealanders care deeply about nature. No one wants to know that the butter they're spreading on their toast, or the milk they're pouring in their coffee, is linked to environmental destruction. But unfortunately, the way that Fonterra chooses to run its business means that is currently the case. 'People have expressed their shame and disgust at Fonterra's blatant disregard for protecting nature, and they've shared how the intensive dairy industry has impacted their lives. We've come here to bring their voices directly to Fonterra, to hold this superpolluter accountable for its environmental crimes.' Greenpeace recently announced that Fonterra is seeking three hundred thousand dollars in reparations over a peaceful climate protest that took place at the Fonterra Te Rapa factory last year. 'This is a draconian effort to silence peaceful protest, but we will not be intimidated. Greenpeace and concerned individuals from across the country will continue to hold Fonterra accountable, despite their attempts to silence us,' says Deighton-O'Flynn.
Scoop
an hour ago
- Scoop
Building Consent System Productivity On The Rise
Press Release – New Zealand Government Latest data shows 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025. Minister for Building and Construction Processing delays for building consents and code compliance certificates have dropped since the Government began publicly releasing council performance data, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. 'One of the most common frustrations I've heard from tradies and aspiring homeowners since becoming Minister is how long it takes to get the paperwork sorted before building can begin. 'Just over a year ago, I directed MBIE to start publishing quarterly performance data so the Government could dig into the problem and show how well Building Consent Authorities (BCAs) are handling consent applications. 'The decision to put performance in the spotlight is paying off, and I wish to acknowledge councils who have moved quickly to expedite consenting processes. 'Latest data shows 92.7 percent of building consent applications and 96.8 percent of code compliance certificates were processed within the statutory timeframe in the first quarter of 2025. 'That's up from 88 percent and 93.6 percent respectively when reporting began last year. 'More work is getting done. In the first three months of 2025, 31,845 building consent applications, amendments and code compliance certificates were processed – almost 1,000 more than in the same period last year. 'These improvements reveal the impact of driving accountability, and we're just getting started. 'The Government is working hard to bring in practical reforms which will streamline the consent system and make building in New Zealand easier and more affordable. 'This includes new legislation empowering trusted building professionals to sign off their own work – slashing thousands of applications to ease system pressure, and requiring BCAs to conduct 80 percent of building inspections within three working days. 'This mandatory target will help councils prioritise their workloads more effectively. I expect the requirement to come into effect later this year. 'By setting clear standards and creating a regulatory system that drives building productivity, we will see more Kiwi families move into homes faster.' Notes:
NZ Autocar
an hour ago
- NZ Autocar
Government passes third Warrant of Fitness test
The Government is roadworthy and driving forward in key areas, according to the Motor Trade Association (MTA). This is the result of its third 'Warrant of Fitness' check of the term. There's a mixture of passes and fails, according to the MTA. But the Government's progress on workplace training and banking means it can leave the workshop with another six-month sticker. 'At the halfway point of their term, the Government is, overall, doing a good job for the automotive sector,' according to Head of Communications, Simon Bradwell. 'The return of workplace training to industry was an important and welcome step that MTA had led the calls for. A big tick for that. 'The focus on 'woke banking' is also good news. We're working with the Government on that because automotive businesses shouldn't be unfairly penalised by well-meaning but prohibitive environmental standards. 'Crime is a mixed bag. Service stations are still at high risk from crime, as recent headlines have shown. Government earns a pass because other measures, such as beat patrols, are making a difference… But there is definitely more work to be done in this space.' The Government also gets ticks for road safety, vehicle safety, and business support. However MTA's assessment found the Government was coming up sharply short on immigration measures to address the labour shortage many automotive businesses face. 'Government needs to put pedal to metal on that one,' Bradwell says. And bureaucracy is still a nuisance for many businesses. MTA hopes new Deputy Prime Minister David Seymour will make progress there. 'MTA works with a number of Government Ministers and departments,' Bradwell says. 'We are willing and ready to help build a stronger automotive sector that benefits all Kiwis. Let's see how they're going in another six months.' To make sure Government MPs see where they're passing and failing, MTA has taken out billboard space right under their eyes, across the road from the Beehive.
