TEU to sue the government over pay equity.

Te Hautū Kahurangi | Tertiary Education Union has joined four other unions in a High Court challenge against the Government over its removal of pay equity rights, arguing the amended pay equity legislation violates fundamental rights and discriminates against women workers.

The NZNO, PSA, PPTA, TEU and NZEI Te Riu Roa will file proceedings in the High Court seeking a declaration that the amended Equal Pay Act 1972 is inconsistent with the New Zealand Bill of Rights Act 1990.

If successful, a Parliamentary Select Committee must consider the declaration of inconsistency and a Parliamentary debate must occur. The Government is then required to formally respond.

Te Pou Ahurei | National Secretary Sandra Grey says "If Brooke van Velden and Christopher Luxon thought avoiding a select committee process would allow them to dodge accountability for stealing $12.8 billion from low paid women workers we’ve got news for them. We look forward to the women of Aotearoa having their day in court to ensure that the government is forced to defend its actions."

Dadon Rowell, a Teaching & Learning Librarian at Te Whare Wānanga o Waikato | The University of Waikato covered by TEU’s cancelled pay equity claim says “I feel extremely proud to see our union take this stand - we're walking the talk.”

“It’s also deeply reassuring to see, as someone who was covered and works with many students who will suffer pay inequity, that our unions in Aotearoa aren't taking the horrific law changes lying down. The fight is on until all our most vulnerable workers are paid what they are worth!”

The claim will be formally lodged on August 29 at the High Court in Wellington following a rally by women whose pay equity claims have been cancelled.