Government today announced a pay equity settlement affecting approximately 55,000 low-paid workers, mainly women, working in three government-funded service sectors: aged residential care, home support, disability services. The pay rise directly affects Pacific Homecare staff working with the elderly and disabled community.
It was announced that the pay rise will be effective from July 2017, with Prime Minister Hon. Bill English saying (on television) that more details would be revealed by the government shortly.
Pacific Homecare CEO Hamish Crooks said the decision announced by the Government today was welcomed.
“The decision around pay equity is very much welcomed for many women and Pacific people, who have worked hard in this sector over many years,” he said.
“It recognises their skills, experience and commitment to the care to some of the most vulnerable people in our communities and is a good step forward and well overdue.”
He added that the settlement was a long-time in the making.
“Our national Home & Community Health Association, the Unions and Government officials have been working at this settlement for some years now. We are looking forward to the upcoming changes” he said.
“Workers will be pleased they will be paid more, and to be honest, like other service organisations they truly deserve so much more recognition for the quality of the services they provide.”
