“Pasifika ‘working for free’ due to unfair pay gap: Calls for action amid legal changes”, 15 October 2025
A Pacific advocate warns that amendments to the Equal Pay Act have made it harder for Pacific women in essential sectors such as health, care, and education to challenge unfair wages.
Earlier this year, the Equal Pay Amendment Bill was passed urgently, altering eligibility criteria so that occupations must be at least 70 per cent female for a minimum of 10 years. The amendments also allow for phased pay rises while cancelling ongoing cases.
Saunoamaali’i Dr Karanina Sumeo, the former Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) Commissioner, told PMN News that the policy shift has denied Pacific men and women their lawful right to fair pay. […]