Fredericton — The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity welcomes the provincial government's commitment in the Speech from the Throne to extend pay equity to the private and care sectors.
In its first Speech from the Throne, the provincial government reiterated the Liberal Party's electoral commitment to implement pay equity in the private and care sectors.
Your government will phase in pay equity in the private and care sector, using a model that is similar to what is
"The right to pay equity crossed an important milestone yesterday. We are thrilled that the government intends to extend pay equity to the private sector. By reaffirming its election promise at the start of its mandate, the government is demonstrating not only its commitment to this issue, but also the urgency of taking action for New Brunswick's economic development,” says Raphaëlle Valay-Nadeau, Chair of the Coalition.
We must ensure that the phased implementation of pay equity in the sector is enshrined in law. Ontario and Quebec deemed it essential to legislate the right to pay equity in 1990 and 1997 respectively, as voluntary and half-measures proved ineffective. New Brunswick must do the same to ensure that the implementation of pay equity is both efficient and equitable for employees and employers alike.
The Coalition also welcomes the commitment to invest in the wages of workers in two women-dominated sectors: the care sector and early childhood services."[1] The government's commitment to invest in the wages of care and childcare workers is encouraging. However, it must also conduct job evaluations, particularly of early childhood educators, to ensure that wages reflect the value of the work fairly,” adds Valay-Nadeau.
The same applies to the personnel of transition houses. According to the Speech from the Throne, the government plans to ensure long-term and sustainable core funding of transition houses.[2] This must include equitable wages for employees, whose salaries are the lowest in the care sector.
“These commitments mark a historic turning point for New Brunswick, where working women and their allies have been fighting for over 30 years to achieve pay equity. We look forward to collaborating with government to finally end pay inequity and ensure that every New Brunswicker has the right to equal pay for work of equal value,” concludes Valay-Nadeau.
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[1] "Investing in wages for personal support workers and resident attendants to increase hours of care.
"Investing in increased wages for homecare workers, comfort and clothing allowances, and in a monthly caregiving benefit for those caring for aging family members.
"Improving working conditions and increasing wages for early childhood educators and increasing financial support for students entering the field."
[2] "Will invest in long-term and sustainable core funding for transition homes and frontline domestic violence services."