The Prime Minister announced pay equity legislation, claiming it could save the government billions ahead of the Budget.
Workplace Relations Minister Brooke van Velden stated the changes will halt 33 existing claims to ensure genuine gender discrimination is proven.
While the government argues this makes the system more workable, Labour leader Chris Hipkins criticised the urgency of the changes, asserting they undermine women’s rights to equal pay.
Unions estimate that about 150,000 workers could be affected.
