Pay Equity and Equal Employment Opportunity - Developments 2004/2006 and Evaluation

Abstract

My 2004 LEW paper (Hyman. 2006) argued that given the plethora of studies and reports in this area in New Zealand and overseas, the most urgent priority was practical development and piloting of means of implementation of pay and employment equity. There are positive developments, including the establishment and work of the Pay and Employment Equity Unit in the Department of Labour. However, progress is inevitably slow even in the public sector, and many indicators, such as the low representation of women in areas varying from the modern apprenticeship scheme to Directorships of Stock Exchange listed companies; show how far there is to go. Meanwhile carers and cleaners, where Maori and Pacific women predominate, still fight for a living wage. This paper examines and evaluates developments in the last two years, a period when gender and ethnic mainstreaming holds considerable sway in government. This can lead to a lack of commitment, prioritising, and accountability for results, so such monitoring from outside is essential.