2 May 2017

Govt inks landmark $2bn pay equity settlement

6:06 pm on 2 May 2017

The government has officially signed a $2 billion equity settlement giving tens of thousands of care and support workers a pay rise.

Kristine Bartlett, who took the initial case in the Employment Court, signs the deal with Health Minister Jonathan Coleman.

Kristine Bartlett, who took the initial case in the Employment Court, with Health Minister Jonathan Coleman as he signs the deal. Photo: RNZ / Mei Heron

From July, the predominantly female workforce will get between 15 and 49 percent more, depending on qualifications and experience.

Health Minister Jonathan Coleman said today was a historic day.

"The most important thing about this is it's going to make a very real difference in the lives of 55,000 of the lowest-paid but most hard working people in New Zealand and that's care and support workers."

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