PSA Pushes for Full Pay Equity Settlement Within 100 Days

The Public Service Association (PSA) has welcomed Labour's commitment to pay equity for care and support workers as a first step but insists the fight is not over. The union, led by National Secretary Fleur Fitzsimons, demands a full settlement within the first 100 days of a new Labour-led government. Fitzsimons emphasized that the initial pay rise is only a start, and justice will only be achieved with a complete settlement of the pay equity claim, which addresses the undervaluation of up to 38% in this sector.

Fitzsimons criticized previous governments for cancelling the claim and weakening the Equal Pay Act 1972. She stated that a full pay equity settlement for 65,000 workers could be achieved through a one-day meeting if funding and political will are in place. The PSA's analysis, based on Treasury's model, shows that reinstating pay equity would boost the economy by $13.5 billion over four years, create around 13,000 jobs, and lift an estimated 11,000 children out of poverty.

In addition to pay equity, Labour has announced plans to reverse half of the additional cuts planned for the next Budget and fully reverse future cuts. Duane Leo, National Secretary of the PSA, called for further clarity on cuts that have not yet taken effect. Leo argued that rebuilding the public service will require significant investment, as the cuts have impacted both individuals and the capacity to deliver public services. He stressed that a strong New Zealand needs a strong public service.