SSPA, together with the PSA and the five organisations the social work claim was lodged against, has always been clear: any settlement reached must be for all community-based social work kaimahi. So we strongly welcomed the Government’s historic announcement on 24 November 2022, that a pay equity extension would happen for all community-based social work roles throughout Aotearoa New Zealand, extending the terms of the settlement in the claim to all people in social work roles who are working in the community, across Iwi, Kaupapa Māori, Pacific and NGO social service organisations.
"This is a major win for our community-based social services. This will make a tangible difference for tauwhiro, and strengthen their work with children, rangatahi and whānau. The decision sends a strong message that the essential mahi of social work is valued and recognised."
- Dr Claire Achmad, SSPA CEO, 24 November 2022, at the announcement of the pay equity extension at Parliament
From late 2022 to early 2023, community-based employers of people in social work participated in one of the largest data collection processes that has ever happened across the social sector, to inform the quantum and scope of the pay equity extension. Te Kawa Mataaho The Public Service Commission led this mahi, with the support of the PSA and SSPA. The strong, collective effort of employers and kaimahi across our community-based social services led to the pay equity extension being confirmed by Cabinet in June 2023, and the new pay rates for the social work roles covered by the extension are effective from 01 July 2023, meaning pay equity for over 5000 social work kaimahi – an amazing outcome to be celebrated!
Social Service Workers Pay Equity Claim: Introductory Overview
This document provides an overview of the pay equity claim, the stage it is currently at and where you can keep up-to-date with progress on the claim.