Pay equity for library and support workers.

By Te Pou Whirinaki | National Women’s Officer Bronwyn Larkins and Te Pou Mātauranga me Te Pou Ahumahi | Education & Industrial Campaigns Officer Megan Morris

Welcome to 2024 Wāhine and our allies.

TEU is thrilled to build upon the groundwork laid in 2023 through our two University Pay Equity Claims.

You spoke, expressing that that your work is undervalued and therefore underpaid.

You told us that you wanted this to be reviewed.

Collaborating with other unions and your employers, we’ve found consensus; there is a case to answer.

We appreciate your cooperation in providing crucial data about your roles.

We’ve meticulously organised this information into manageable groups.

We have talked to you and your colleagues about why pay equity matters.

Your voices resonated, prompting your colleagues to join TEU.

In 2024, we are united as ‘WE’- a team dedicated to advancing these claims, even in a potentially challenging political climate.

This year we remain committed to supporting each other, acquiring skills and understanding for the interview phase, and facilitating the pay equity interviews.

For women.

As 2024 commences, wāhine recognise that true parity and diversity in our workspaces are still distant.

TEU members are mindful that Pasifika, Māori, and ethnical diverse wāhine face a larger gender pay gap than Pākehā. We are taking concrete actions to spotlight and address this disparity, and kicking the year off by celebrating International Working Women’s Day on 8 March which is themed “Inspire Inclusion:” #inspireinclusion.

Events will be happening across Aotearoa both within the tertiary sector and the wider workforce. What does your workplace have planned?

Imagine a gender equal world. A world free from bias, stereotypes, and discrimination. A world where difference is valued and celebrated.

Together we can forge women’s equality.

Awhi atu, Awhi mai.