Why we need Fair Pay Agreements

The campaign for Fair Pay Agreements (FPAs) aims to set fair, basic employment conditions across an industry based on the employment standards that apply in that industry. Fair pay and conditions for the workers make a huge difference in the lives of workers, their families, and whole communities. Having an industry-wide bargaining process gives vulnerable workers better access to fair negotiating processes. Instead of individuals or groups of workers negotiating with a single employer, often delivering poverty wages, workers in an industry will be able to address sector-wide issues. This impacts on the future of work for all New Zealanders.

Labour’s proposed Fair Pay Agreements legislation represents a final nail in the coffin of the 1991 Employment Contracts Act and the individual and enterprise-based bargaining regime that has remained with us since that time.

E tū campaign lead organiser Yvette Taylor and E tū cleaning delegate Malia Motusaga will talk about why this legislation is important and its potential impact for low paid workers.