I am writing to express my concerns and firm hopes that you will support the care and support workers pay equity claim, to ensure 65 000 care and support workers, are paid fairly for their skill, responsibility, and effort.
For over a year we have undergone a rigorous pay equity process. Unions and employers have proven and measured the undervaluation of care and support workers. The funding officials have unjustly requested a review of some of the work that they already signed off on, and they are intentionally delaying the claim.
As a result, too many care and support workers are struggling to pay rent and put food on the table for their whānau. The need for care and support grows as our population ages and our communities needs become more complex. These skilled and essential workers are leaving for better paying jobs and their employers are struggling to recruit new people.
I am calling on you to stop the delays and interference now so the claim can progress. The situation is now urgent and overdue.
Ngā mihi,