The day history was made – Dame Kristine Bartlett
A home carer for almost 25 years, Dame Kristine Bartlett was recently awarded the 2018 New Zealander of the Year, in recognition of her efforts with the pay equity settlement.
Five years ago, Kristine fronted union legal action on behalf of thousands of women. She argued in court that her aged care employer was underpaying staff because of the high percentage of female employees. The $2 billion settlement package over five years is the first step in addressing pay inequality for the aged care sector.
As a result, over 55,000 care and support workers across New Zealand will earn a pay rise, including around 300 staff at Enliven – all of the carers. Workers will receive an increase of at least $4 per hour.