Dr Jonathan Coleman
Wellington, May 2, 2017
Today’s signing of the care and support workers’ $2 billion pay equity settlement in an important milestone.
I signed the historic settlement at Parliament today with representatives from the Health Ministry officials, ACC, DHBs and Unions, along with care worker Kristine Bartlett.
The government announced the $2 billion pay equity settlement for 55,000 care and support workers over five years in mid-April.
Essential step
Today’s signing of the care and support workers’ pay equity settlement is an essential step towards implementing the new wage structure on 1 July 2017.
The signing of this agreement means that on July 1, 2017, this dedicated and predominantly female workforce will receive a pay rise between 15% and 50%.
For a full-time worker, this means they will be taking home at least an extra $100 a week, or more than $5000 a year.
Implementation of the settlement is complex as there’s approximately 1000 providers and 4000 contracts that will need to be amended.
To ensure workers receive their new wages from July 1, unions are holding ratification meetings around the country and the Ministry of Health is holding regional meetings to help funders and providers better understand their obligations.
I will also be introducing legislation to Parliament shortly.
I would again like to thank the unions and sector associations for their constructive and positive approach throughout the negotiations over the past 20 months.
More information on the settlement is available at on the Ministry of Health website here, www.health.govt.nz/new-zealand-health-system/care-and-support-workers-pay-equity-settlement
Dr Jonathan Coleman is Health Minister of New Zealand. He is seen here signing the Settlement Agreement with Care Worker Kate Bartlett in Parliament today.
