E tū is welcoming Labour’s latest pay equity announcement, saying an immediate wage increase for care and support workers would provide financial relief while work continues toward a full pay equity settlement.
Labour has pledged to increase pay for care and support workers by $4 an hour from 1 January 2027, covering an estimated 65,000 workers. For an average full-time worker, Labour says the increase would be worth around $160 a week before tax, or $8,320 a year.
The party has also committed to restoring pay equity legislation within its first 100 days in government. Labour says the reinstated system would recognise work already completed on existing claims rather than requiring workers and unions to begin the process again.
E tū National Secretary Rachel Mackintosh describes the immediate increase as a downpayment, with the union maintaining that the ultimate goal remains a full pay equity settlement reflecting the skills, responsibility and value of care and support work.
The union is also pointing to Labour finance spokesperson Barbara Edmonds’ earlier commitment to settle the care and support workers’ pay equity claim by Labour’s first Budget if it forms the next government. E tū says delivering that commitment would affect around 65,000 workers and build on a pay equity campaign stretching back years.
Care and support workers provide essential services for older people, disabled people and other whānau requiring support to live with dignity and independence. E tū argues that better pay would not only improve household incomes but could also support workforce stability and local communities.
Mackintosh joined Waatea to discuss what the proposed increase could mean around the kitchen table, why the union sees it as only the first step, and what still needs to happen to finally deliver a full pay equity settlement.
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