Pay equity protesters in Christchurch. Photo: Delphine Herbert / RNZ
Thousands have gathered for marches across the country on Saturday to express their frustration over government changes to pay equity laws.
Earlier this year, laws were passed cancelling dozens of pay equity claims relating to mostly female-dominated jobs and the bar was raised for future claims to be successful.
On Saturday, rallies were held opposing the changes, including in Christchurch, where hundreds showed up for the Women's March for Pay Equity from Victoria Park to The Bridge of Remembrance.
There were performances and speeches, and many came holding signs saying "Women are worth it" and "Respect us, value us, pay us".
Attendee Sarah Eady, who was also a Public Service Association (PSA) delegate, said the changes were a backwards step.
"The fact that they didn't only just change the pay equity claims that were coming up, the ones that were already in, and had been worked on and been done for review had been scrapped, and then they changed the rules that you can't actually go back and have them reviewed.
"They've done so much damage to the pay equity that, yeah, it was just outrageous.
"I think this government needs to stop and really take a look at the people, and work for the people that they're representing, because they're working for their big buddies with big money, they're not working for society.
"A better society makes it better for everybody, and I think they really need to stop and take a look at what damage they are doing, and the sooner they are gone, the better."
Lyn Broadbent was part of a group granted pay equity for social workers, but she said, with the law change, their wages were now falling behind.
"The admin staff who also had claims in, who are - at present - being paid under the living wage, our company has pledged to keep that living wage, but we feel that shouldn't have had to go to negotiation."
PSA mental health support worker Christie Cox said her job was critical, as she helped keep people alive, and felt she was undervalued for such an important role.
"For a lot of us, it is not just about us being paid better - it is about us being recognised and valued, and so that people, when they are really vulnerable, know that they are being looked after by people who are well-trained, highly skilled and well-paid. That is something that is really important to all of us."
Keryl, who also attended, said the changes made by the government in March were shocking.
"It was absolutely appalling. It was underhanded, it was sly, it is mean-spirited and it is not matching the rhetoric."
Pay equity protesters in Christchurch Photo: Delphine Herbert / RNZ
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Pay equity protesters in Christchurch. Photo: Delphine Herbert / RNZ
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden said, at the time under the previous rules, claims were "able to progress without strong evidence of undervaluation", or without proving the difference in pay was "due to sex-based discrimination or other factors".
Van Velden said the changes would not only make the pay equity scheme "workable and sustainable", but "significantly reduce costs to the Crown" by about $2.7 billion a year.
Saturday's nationwide day of action came a day after the anniversary of women winning the right to vote in 1893.
Pay equity protesters in Christchurch. Photo: Delphine Herbert / RNZ
Prime Minister Christopher Luxon denied the new regime was effectively "cutting pay for women".
The workplace relations minister has been approached for comment.
Van Velden said people had a right to voice their concerns.
"All Kiwis have a right to protest," she said. "I support their right to voice concerns, however, anyone can still take a pay equity claim and I'm heartened to hear a union is looking to use the new pay equity system."
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