Green Party launch petition calling for Labour to reverse public sector wage suppression on our nurses, teachers, DOC workers

The Green Party have launched a petition calling on Labour to reverse its decision to suppress the wages of our nurses, teachers, and DOC workers earning between $60,000 and $100,000.  

On Wednesday the Labour Government announced that for the next three years those earning between $60,000 and $100,000 would have their wages suppressed, with only special circumstances for any increase. Those over $100,000 would have their wages frozen, whilst those on under $60,000 will be prioritised for pay increases.

“Our public sector workers helped keep us safe, taught our kids, and tended to our natural spaces all whilst in the middle of a global pandemic”, Green Party Workplace Relations spokesperson Jan Logie said today.

“Those on that middle band deserve our thanks, not suppressed, stagnating wages. Particularly as the cost of living increases.

“We totally support an increase in wages for those under $60,000, but we do not need to rob Peter to pay Paul. We know that the Government’s coffers are in better shape than expected, alternatively we could further tax the rich with a Wealth Tax. Nurses, teachers and other essential workers shouldn’t, and can’t, bear the brunt of this.

“Our conversations with the Union have shown massive hurt and disappointment for this decision.

“Labour have long stood with our public service workers who keep our country ticking over. We are hoping with our petition and pressure from workers that they’ll reverse their decision”.

ENDS

Latest Health Announcements

Story

Greens welcome life-saving treatments for rare disorders

The Green Party welcomes the news that Pharmac will fully fund Spinraza for people under the age of 18. 
Read More

Story

Monkeypox elimination plan is essential

The Green Party is calling on the Government to listen to public health experts and commit to an elimination strategy for monkeypox. 
Read More

Story

Migrant healthcare workers need fair pay as well as residency

Migrant nurses, aged-care and support workers need fair pay as well as equitable pathways to residency, not half-baked measures from National.
Read More

Story

Nurses could face pay cut under National

A National Government would leave nurses behind, the Green Party says.
Read More

Story

Budget 2022: Greens MP Dr Elizabeth Kerekere says wins for health not enough for Māori or Rainbow

Today Greens Te Mātāwaka Chair and Health Spokesperson, Dr Elizabeth Kerekere, said “The Greens have long campaigned for an independent Māori Healt...
Read More

Story

Green Party supports nurses’ ERA decision

The Green Party supports nurses’ continued push for pay equity and calls on the Government to deliver the back pay they had expected.
Read More

Latest Workplace Relations and Safety Announcements

Story

Greens back pay transparency open letter

The Green Party supports immediate Government action to close the pay gap as called for in an open letter released today by the Human Rights Commis...
Read More

Story

Greens celebrate firefighters agreement

The Green Party is welcoming today’s news that the New Zealand Professional Firefighters Union (NZPFU) have voted to ratify the agreement reached w...
Read More

Story

Social workers need to see pay equity immediately

The Green Party is welcoming today’s announcement that pay equity will be extended to more social workers, and urges the Government to work with un...
Read More

Story

Fair pay agreements huge step towards fairer future

The Green Party is celebrating a landmark change in the law that will ensure more people are paid what they deserve. 
Read More

Story

Groundhog Day for pay transparency

Labour is asking for the exact same advice on pay transparency that a Green Minister first asked for five years ago.
Read More

Story

Pacific people need immediate action to boost pay

The Government should ensure the Fair Pay Agreements Bill is passed as soon as possible,  immediately introduce pay transparency legislation and ra...
Read More