Supreme Court’s decision helps to pave the way for pay equity

The Public Service Association (PSA) has welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision this afternoon to deny leave to appeal in the Kristine Bartlett / Terranova Homes pay equity case. The case now returns to the Employment Court where principles will be determined that will set the pay equity rate for Kristine Bartlett’s job in aged care.

Erin Polaczuk, PSA national secretary, said “This is another nail in the coffin for the gender pay gap,”

“The recent Human Resource Capability report showed the gender pay gap in the public service is still at 14.1%.

“The PSA has proposals which we know can help tackle this stubborn gap in the state services.

“Kristine Bartlett’s strong action in taking this case has helped to put pay equity on the agenda, and will impact on women across many sectors, not just in aged care.

“More needs to be done and we hope the Employment Court process continues to produce such positive outcomes.

“It is not acceptable that so many of New Zealand’s workers are paid less because the work they do is seen as women’s work.

“Women know that our work is worth 100% and it is long past time that our pay recognised that,” said Erin Polaczuk.

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