February 25, 2026

#national: E tū Backs People’s Select Committee Call to Repeal Equal Pay Amendment Act

Matthew Tukaki Posted On February 25, 2026

E tū is backing the findings of the People’s Select Committee on Pay Equity, saying its report presents a compelling case for repealing the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 and reinstating pay equity claims that were cancelled overnight.

The independent Committee was formed by ten former MPs from across the political spectrum following the urgent passage of the 2025 amendments. Over a nine-month period it received more than 1,500 submissions from workers, unions, employers and subject-matter experts. According to the report, the overwhelming majority opposed the legislative changes and detailed the harm caused to women and workers in female-dominated sectors.

The Committee’s report recommends that the 2025 amendments be repealed, previously cancelled pay equity claims be reinstated without requiring claimants to restart the process, and that employers be adequately funded to implement settlements.

E tū Care and Community Support Industry Council Convenor Tamara Baddeley, who works in home support, says the report reflects the lived reality of thousands of care and support workers across the motu. She says its recommendations, if implemented, would significantly improve incomes and stability for tens of thousands of workers and flow through to their whānau and communities, particularly in smaller regions where care services are a major source of employment.

The union says many affected workers had already spent years progressing claims before they were halted, creating uncertainty and financial strain.

E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh says the Committee undertook the detailed examination that she believes the Government avoided when it passed the law under urgency.

The union argues that cancelling claims removed a pathway for addressing systemic gender-based pay inequities, particularly in sectors such as aged care, disability support, cleaning, and community services.

According to E tū, the report demonstrates that pay equity is not a theoretical policy issue but one that directly affects whether essential workers can meet basic living costs.

The Committee also highlights the need for proper funding mechanisms to ensure that employers, particularly in publicly funded sectors, can implement pay equity settlements without destabilising services.

E tū maintains that sustainable funding is essential if the sector is to retain experienced staff and avoid further workforce shortages.

The union says restoring cancelled claims without forcing workers to restart lengthy processes would demonstrate respect for those who had already engaged in good-faith negotiations.

With a general election approaching, E tū says pay equity will be a defining issue for many voters, particularly women working in undervalued sectors.

The union is urging political parties to clarify their positions on reinstating claims and restoring the previous legislative framework.

E tū argues that pay equity goes to the heart of fairness, income security, and recognition of work that underpins communities across Aotearoa.

As debate intensifies in an election year, the Committee’s report has added fresh momentum to calls for legislative reversal – placing pressure on lawmakers to decide whether the Equal Pay Amendment Act 2025 remains in place or is rolled back in response to widespread opposition.