Labour has put pay equity firmly into the election campaign, promising an immediate $4-an-hour pay rise for around 65,000 care and support workers from 1 January 2027 if it forms the next Government.
The party says the increase would leave an average full-time worker around $160 a week, or $8,320 a year, better off before tax, providing additional income for a workforce dominated by women.
Labour workplace relations and safety spokesperson Jan Tinetti says the party would also restore pay equity legislation within its first 100 days and allow previous work on claims to be recognised rather than requiring workers to begin the process again.
Pay equity has become a significant political issue after the current Government changed the Equal Pay Act in May 2025, introducing new requirements for claims and discontinuing existing claims. Labour has consistently opposed those changes and has previously highlighted their impact on workers in areas including aged care, disability support, hospice and community services.
Labour says the policy is aimed at addressing both the historic undervaluation of female-dominated work and cost-of-living pressures facing lower-paid workers and their whānau.
The announcement sets up another clear workplace relations dividing line ahead of Election 2026, with pay equity, wages and the cost of living expected to remain prominent issues throughout the campaign.
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