Labour will introduce a Member’s Bill to help close gender and ethnic pay gaps in New Zealand workplaces.

The Pay Transparency Bill will require large employers to report pay differences and include pay ranges in job advertisements, shining a light on pay gaps and helping to close them.

“Labour believes in equal pay for equal work and this Bill takes another step towards that,” Labour women’s spokesperson Carmel Sepuloni said.

“By making pay information transparent, we can see where the gaps are and take action to close them.

“In too many workplaces, women still earn less than men for doing the same job. It’s time that changed.”

Only employers with more than 150 employees will have to report pay differences.

“Pay transparency is a proven way to tackle pay gaps and drive fairer workplaces across the country. National will take us backwards on women’s pay. Labour will move us forward.

“Closing the pay gap is unfinished business for Labour. Fair pay strengthens families, communities, and our economy. When everyone is paid fairly, we all do better,” Carmel Sepuloni said.