What is Pay Equity?
We have a long history in New Zealand and in many other countries, of women being paid less than men even when the work that they do is the same. While a lot of work has been done to ensure that women and men in the same job are paid the same, there are still a lot of inequities. An area that has not been investigated until fairly recently, is comparing skill sets between occupations that have historically women dominated with occupations that employ mostly men. The process to assess the skills and compare the remuneration and redress the inequity when it arises is Pay Equity.
For more information on the background and process click HERE
Two pay equity claims were submitted in 2022 to the university employers for female dominated occupations of library and clerical and administration roles in the university sector.
These claims have been accepted as worthy of investigation by the universities and they will work with the three unions, Tertiary Institutes Allied Staff Association (TIASA), the Public Services Association (PSA) and the Tertiary Education Union (TEU) to determine whether these occupations are currently underpaid and if so, by how much.
The two claims can be found below.
TIASA is fully behind the Pay Equity Claim and will be involved in aspects from assessment to settlement.
TIASA is primarily involved with the AUT claim as that is where we have a substantial number of members.
The process involves the employers and unions working together to assess the claim as shown in the diagram below. We are currently at the start of the process to Assess the claim.
There are 3 parts to the Pay Equity process:
- Raising the Claim
- Assessing the Claim
- Settling the claim
Who can involved in the Pay Equity Process?
Any TIASA union member can approach the TIASA Pay Equity coordinator and volunteer to be part of the process. An AUT reference group has already been established. Contact Gill at gill@tiasa.org.nz
What roles will be assessed?
The employer and union team will examine the types of roles and pick a sample group to interview. The employee will be interviewed as well as their supervisor. The employee interview takes about 90 minutes.
Who is covered by the equity claim?
Anyone who is employed in one of the roles that is covered by the claim. That includes people who are not union members that have not formally withdrawn from the process.
What happens is no undervaluation is found?
There will be no pay adjustment
What happens if an undervaluation is found?
There will be a negotiated process to improve pay and/or conditions
How can I stay informed?
Being a TIASA Member means that you will have regular updates on the process. It also allows you to be part of the Pay Equity assessment process if you want to be involved. Part of this involvement will involve training.
I am confused about the letter I received from my employer. What should I do?
Contact Gill at gill@tiasa.org.nz
What happens if I don’t want to be part of this process?
If you are a member of TEU, PSA or TIASA you cannot opt out.
I am not a union member what do I do?
If you want to remain in the claim do nothing. If you want to opt out of the claim contact your employer and tell them that you want out.
If you want more information about the claim please contact Gill at gill@tiasa.org.nz