Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960

Definition

The Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960 was a landmark piece of legislation in New Zealand that aimed to eliminate pay disparities based on gender within the public service sector. This act marked a significant step in the broader women's movement by formally recognizing the principle of equal pay for equal work, reinforcing changing gender roles and the push for women's rights in the workforce. It highlighted the increasing awareness of wage inequality and served as a catalyst for future reforms related to gender equality in employment.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960 was one of the first laws in New Zealand specifically targeting wage inequality in the public sector.
2. The act was a response to growing public pressure from women's groups and labor unions advocating for fair pay practices.
3. Implementation of the act required public service employers to conduct regular wage reviews to ensure compliance with equal pay standards.
4. Although it was a significant achievement, the act did not fully eliminate the gender wage gap, as many private sector jobs remained unregulated.
5. The act laid the foundation for later legislation aimed at promoting equal pay and advancing women's rights in various sectors.

Review Questions

• How did the Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960 contribute to the rise of the women's movement in New Zealand?
  • The Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960 contributed significantly to the rise of the women's movement by formally recognizing the need for equal pay for equal work within the public sector. This acknowledgment helped galvanize women's groups and activists who were already pushing for greater rights and equality in various aspects of life. By establishing legal grounds for challenging wage disparities, it empowered women to demand fairness not only in government jobs but also in private employment settings.
• Evaluate the impact of the Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960 on subsequent legislation regarding gender equality in New Zealand.
  • The Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960 set a precedent for future legislation that sought to address wage disparities and promote gender equality. It paved the way for further reforms, including the Equal Pay Act 1972, which extended equal pay principles beyond government services. The foundational work done by this act highlighted ongoing issues related to the gender wage gap, leading to more comprehensive policies that targeted not just wages but broader societal inequalities faced by women.
• Assess how changing gender roles in New Zealand society influenced the passage and outcomes of the Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960.
  • Changing gender roles played a crucial role in influencing both the passage and outcomes of the Government Service Equal Pay Act 1960. As more women entered the workforce and began to assert their rights, societal attitudes toward women's employment began shifting. This transformation was characterized by an increasing recognition of women's contributions to the economy and society, which helped build momentum for equal pay legislation. The act's passage reflected these evolving norms and expectations, showing how social change can lead to significant legal reforms that advance gender equality.

Related terms

Women's Suffrage Movement: A social and political movement aimed at securing voting rights for women, which laid the groundwork for subsequent gender equality initiatives.

Equal Pay Act 1972:

Legislation that expanded the principles established by the 1960 act, addressing broader issues of wage equality beyond government services.

Gender Wage Gap: The difference in average earnings between men and women, often resulting from systemic discrimination and societal norms regarding gender roles.