Secondary teachers in Aotearoa, New Zealand, are staunchly advocating for the preservation of Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) as a pivotal measure in ensuring economic fairness. Led by Chris Abercrombie, president of PPTA Te Wehengarua, these educators stress the critical significance of FPAs in maintaining equitable employment conditions. The emphasis lies in safeguarding the rights of the most vulnerable workers, including cleaners, bus drivers, hospitality staff, and security personnel, whose livelihoods heavily depend on these agreements. The repeal of FPAs, as warned by Chris, could further exacerbate financial hardships for numerous New Zealanders, creating a deepening divide in economic disparity. This call for retaining Fair Pay Agreements resonates as a fundamental plea for economic equality and improved living standards for the nation’s workforce.
Advocating for Economic Fairness
Chris stresses the importance of this policy, asserting that its removal could exacerbate financial struggles for many New Zealanders. Chris is urging the government to reconsider its plans, highlighting the potential detrimental impact on those most in need of decent pay and working conditions.
“Those who benefit the most from Fair Pay Agreements are people who work in jobs with inadequate working conditions, low wages, and low labour productivity.
“For example, Māori, Pacific peoples, young people, and people with disabilities are over-represented in jobs where low pay, job security, health and safety, and upskilling are significant issues.
“Barriers to good labour market outcomes are particularly prevalent for people who fall within more than one of those groups. Fair Pay Agreements help address these issues.”
A Threat to Progress
Scrapping Fair Pay Agreements would not only widen the wage gap but also undermine the progress made in improving working conditions. Chris says,
“Scrapping fair pay laws is all about putting more money in employers’ pockets and rewarding businesses for their vote. It will take Aotearoa New Zealand back to a low-wage economy and put us back in the race to the bottom.”
A Plea for Reconsideration
The government’s prioritisation of repealing fair pay legislation raises concerns about whose interests it truly represents. Secondary teachers stand firm in their call to retain Fair Pay Agreements, emphasising the urgency of supporting those most in need of better pay and improved working conditions in New Zealand.
“Doing away with fair pay shows very clearly where this government sits – and it is definitely not with people who are most in need of decent pay and working conditions.
“The fact that repealing fair pay legislation is one of the first items on this government’s agenda speaks volumes about who it represents – and it is not those who are struggling or financially squeezed in New Zealand,” says Chris.
