YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand Calls for Urgent Action Following Equal Pay Law Changes
Aotearoa’s young women won’t stay silent as the Government walks back hard-won pay equity protections — fairness should never be up for debate.
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YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand condemns the Government’s decision to dismantle crucial pay equity legislation. This regressive move undermines decades of progress toward gender justice and puts the economic security of women and gender-diverse people at serious risk.
The repealed provisions were hard-won to address entrenched inequalities in Aotearoa’s labour market. Removing them not only reinforces outdated and discriminatory systems but signals to young people across the country that fairness, equity, and inclusion are no longer national priorities.
The Government has admitted the changes could save billions of dollars, while at the same time, confirming that money saved will not be specifically used to support women. This sends a strong message: “women working in undervalued jobs are being asked to carry the cost of balancing the Budget," says Charlotte Muggeridge, YWCA A/NZ Co-President and YWCA World Vice-President.
“When legal claims are cancelled overnight and those savings are celebrated, it’s clear the cost is falling on women. These workers have spent years trying to be fairly paid for the important work they do. Forcing them to start again under tougher rules is not fair.”
Aaminah Ghani, fellow YWCA A/NZ Co-president states, “Young women already face some of the most precarious economic conditions with rising costs, unstable work, and systemic bias. Removing legal mechanisms for pay equity tells us our futures don’t matter. We deserve better, and we will fight for it."
A YWCA A/NZ Board Member, who is also a young woman, says “For young women entering the workforce, this sends the worst possible message: that the system is not designed to work for you. Pay equity was never about handouts, it was about fairness.”
YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand is calling on the Government to reverse these changes, protect the right to fair pay, and make sure workers in women-dominated jobs are treated with the value and respect they deserve. Even if the contents of the Act are not agreed by our political parties, we need to ensure that fair, proper processes are undertaken when considering law changes in New Zealand.
Media Contact
For further information:
Communications & Engagement – YWCA Aotearoa New Zealand National Board