Midwives have taken the government to court after nearly a decade of unfulfilled promises to pay and support them.
The College of Midwives is leading a class action at the High Court in Wellington involving nearly 1500 self-employed midwives.
They are accusing the government of breaches of contract and unlawful gender-based discrimination under the Bill of Rights Act.
The midwives are calling for more pay, a new contract model giving self-employed midwives entitlements similar to other contracted primary health care professionals, and nationally consistent investment to promote workforce sustainability and manage the demands of a 24/7 service.
The battle dates back to 2015 and has included multiple settlements with the Ministry of Health, none of which have been delivered.
The college claims that midwives are not fairly paid for their work and expenses and are locked into contracts and job requirements that do not give them the freedom that self-employed people have.
Former Labour MP Andrew Little, Minister of Health, expressed understanding of the midwives’ actions and said that he would do the same if he were in their position.
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