High-Level Update: Pay Equity for Care and Support Workers (CSWs) – Claim 2

Kia Ora Claim 2 employers,

This update captures the main points and progress from the workshop to inform you of the current status and next steps.  We invite feedback on the notes below to any of the Short Lineout group, and subject to no objections will continue to meet with the unions for part two of the meeting, and then come back with an extensive update, where we will require some key decisions from you.

Workshop Date: October 2, 2024
Location: Wellington (in person)

Key Participants:

• Employers: Representatives from various organizations including Donna McGarvey, Margaret Crozier, Tim Kendall, and others.
• Unions: Representatives from PSA, E Tu, and NZNO including Melissa Woolley, Nanette Cormack, Alex Davies, Amy Hansen, and Louisa Jones.

Purpose:

• Streamline the process for Claim 2 while complying with the Equal Pay Act.
• Utilise the work completed in Claim 1 to ensure consistency across the sector.

Main Discussions:

1. Validation of Claim 1 Work:
   • Unions propose a light-touch approach to validate the work assessment and CSW profile from Claim 1.
   • Employers generally agree but raised concerns about scope, and what is missing particularly regarding telehealth workers, hauroa workers and rural/remote workers.
2. Scope and Work Definition:
   • Focus on the description of ‘work’ as outlined in the claim, including ‘the same or substantially similar’ work.
   • Consideration of outlying employers and how they fit into the process.
3. Other Terms and Conditions:
   • Need to consider for this Claim 2 employer group if there are any t&c’s different from Claim 1.
4. Funder Engagement:
   • Discussion on sector plans and funding gaps.
   • Unions emphasised the need for political strategy and pressure on the government for funding.
5. Work Assessment Stage:
   • Proposed questionnaire for managers/leaders of Support Workers and focus groups for employees in outlier groups.
   • Focus groups to be held in different regions with a mix of representatives.
6. Comparators:
   • Unions propose using the same comparators as Claim 1 for consistency and efficiency.
   • Employers parked this conversation to seek agreement from the wider employer group.
7. Next Steps:
   • Feedback on union proposals and validation process.
   • Consideration of independent quality assessors.
   • Timing for focus groups and manager surveys, likely early 2025.

Actions:

• Employers to prepare communication materials and summarised CSW profile.
• Unions to share Claim 1 questionnaire and consider how outlying employers can be included.
• Parties to provide feedback on various proposals and plans.

Next Meeting:

• Scheduled for October 18, 2024, to discuss feedback and future steps.