The Green Party welcomes the introduction of the Fair Pay Agreements Bill.

“Fair Pay Agreements are a crucial step towards greater fairness at work,” says Jan Logie, Green Party workplace relations and safety spokesperson.

“The Green Party have long called for the implementation of fair pay agreements, so more New Zealanders have a dignified income. Essential workers have been proving their value every single day and this is our best way to ensure more of them are paid what they’re worth.

“The Greens believe this important bill can be even more effective by bringing in contractors and widening the scope of the agreements.

“Contractors are working people too and they also deserve the right to bargain for fairer industry standards. Ensuring they’re covered provides more protection so employers don’t move to contracting rather than employing staff.

“We also support the initial proposal of the Fair Pay Working Group for a wider scope to agreements, and we are disappointed the Government has narrowed the mandatory scope to only wages, hours and overtime.

“We recognise the important mahi of unions and workers in getting this Bill to the point of introduction. Today is a day to celebrate a big step forward for New Zealand workers. At the same time, we’ll keep listening to unions and workers to try and make this Bill even stronger through the Select Committee process.

“The Greens will be actively involved in the Select Committee process to extend the scope for things like redundancy, flexible working, leave entitlements, and skills and training.”

ENDS