Government’s repeal of pay equity legislation

As Chief Executive of Pathways, I want to share how deeply disappointed and frustrated we are by the Government’s sudden repeal of the pay equity legislation.

This abrupt decision undermines three years of dedicated advocacy and significantly impacts the fair compensation efforts for our care and support workers and front-line managers. It also disproportionately affects our predominantly female workforce, who provide critical mental health, drug, and addiction services across Aotearoa.

Our kaimahi deliver essential services every day. This decision overlooks their immense contributions and disregards the extensive evidence and advocacy efforts that have gone into securing equitable pay.

We are urgently working with unions, officials and sector partners like Platform Trust, to explore solutions. Platform Trust is a membership organisation and peak body representing the mental health and addiction NGO and community sector. Pathways stand alongside Platform Trust. Read the full media release by Platform Trust below which echoes our views on the pay equity repeal.

Despite this setback, Pathways remains firmly committed to achieving fair pay and sustainable workforce solutions.

We strongly urge the Government to come to the table and engage with sector representatives to identify meaningful, fair, and lasting outcomes.

– Sally Pitts-Brown, Chief Executive, Pathways

Read Platform Trust’s full media release here