Headline: Time for Government action on gender pay
John Key promised to look at pay equity in the run up to the 2011 election but ever since has rejected every opportunity to actually do something about the gender pay gap.
John Key needs to live up to his promise to address pay equity as new evidence shows women’s pay still lags well behind men’s, the Green Party said today.
A survey by recruitment company Font Talent found women earned between $8,000 and $20,000 less than male colleagues in some New Zealand industries despite being more qualified.
“John Key promised to look at pay equity in the run up to the 2011 election but ever since has rejected every opportunity to actually do something about the gender pay gap,” said Green Party women’s spokesperson, Jan Logie.
“Women will rightly feel let down by a Prime Minister who just doesn’t seem to value their work as much as he values men’s.
“He has rejected opportunities to address inequities through paid parental leave and does nothing to fulfil his commitment to tackle pay equity.
“The Government really needs to refocus its energies on proactive measures that tackle discrimination and address the gender pay gap.”
For the past two years the Green Party has had a Bill in the ballot which would ensure women have access to information about pay rates in their workplace to test if there is gender-based discrimination.
Faye Langdon of Global Women has said pay equity is moving at a “glacial pace”.
“Hard working New Zealand women are looking to the Government to act,” said Ms Logie.
—
