The value of emotional labour
April 18, 2017 1:20 PM Subscribe
The New Zealand government has reached a $NZ2 billion settlement which will see aged care workers receive pay rises between 15 and 50 per cent, depending on their qualifications and experience.
The decision stems from a gender discrimination case brought by an aged care worker who argued this majority-female workforce was not being paid what the work was worth.
"It is a career and it is a wonderful career but you can't survive on that minimum wage," says Kristine Bartlett.
The deal will affect about 55,000 workers, employed by a mix of listed companies, private businesses, non-profits and religious organisations. It will see average hourly pay rise from just above minimum wage ($15) to, in many cases, the mid $20s.
The decision stems from a gender discrimination case brought by an aged care worker who argued this majority-female workforce was not being paid what the work was worth.
"It is a career and it is a wonderful career but you can't survive on that minimum wage," says Kristine Bartlett.
The deal will affect about 55,000 workers, employed by a mix of listed companies, private businesses, non-profits and religious organisations. It will see average hourly pay rise from just above minimum wage ($15) to, in many cases, the mid $20s.
This is fantastic. Working in aged care is such difficult and valuable work.
posted by fever-trees at 3:51 PM on April 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by fever-trees at 3:51 PM on April 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
Very good news indeed!
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 7:26 PM on April 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
posted by hurdy gurdy girl at 7:26 PM on April 18, 2017 [1 favorite]
So this wasn't a claim of "I'm paid less than my male counterparts" it was "my entire sector is underpaid because it's a female dominated field"? That seems like a real game changer to successfully widen the net like that. Way to go New Zealand.
posted by adamt at 1:15 AM on April 19, 2017 [7 favorites]
posted by adamt at 1:15 AM on April 19, 2017 [7 favorites]
Another consequence of this move is that (hopefully) more men will be involved in the health care industry. I remember seeing an elderly (over 70) maori man who had been totally paralysed following an accident, and I could see the remaining years of his life he would be cared for by women, encroaching his personally sensitivity and culture. I saw the sadness on his face - words were unnecessary to know the realisation of the future he was facing.
In retirement homes and hospices, the nursing staff is comprised of women Pride and respect is lost in the last years, replaced by love and care delivered by those who care more about their responsibilities than their earnings.
posted by arzakh at 5:49 AM on April 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
In retirement homes and hospices, the nursing staff is comprised of women Pride and respect is lost in the last years, replaced by love and care delivered by those who care more about their responsibilities than their earnings.
posted by arzakh at 5:49 AM on April 19, 2017 [1 favorite]
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