Moncton – The New Brunswick Coalition for Pay Equity welcomes the New Brunswick New Democratic Party’s promise to immediately implement pay equity legislation for the private sector, emphasizing the community care sector.
“We are glad the NDP made a decisive commitment to ensure the right to pay equity for all workers in the province,” says Frances LeBlanc, the Coalition Chair. “Seven out of ten women work in the private sector and are not covered by current pay equity legislation.”
The announcement is part of a promised reform of New Brunswick’s labour laws which includes raising the minimum wage to $15 and hours, renewing the mandate of Work Safe NB, and reviewing employment standards for non-unionized workers as well as collective bargaining laws.
The Coalition is also hoping that the Liberals and Progressive Conservatives will include pay equity legislation for the private sector in their platforms. The Green Party has already included pay equity legislation for the private sector in its platform.
“Pay equity is not only a human right, but legislation would also create economic advantages to employers in improving their compensation system and their ability to recruit and retain staff,” adds Frances LeBlanc.
Pay equity is equal pay for work of equal value. It means recognizing the value of female-dominated jobs and paying them fairly compared to male-dominated jobs.