Timaru’s Canon St was a sea of umbrellas and placards last week as many protested changes to pay equity legislation.
More than 40 people gathered under the awning of Rangitata MP James Meager’s office, opposing changes to the current Equal Pay Act.
Protester Phil King said it was a ‘‘disgusting’’ move on the government’s part.
‘‘It has to keep moving forwards, not stepping back.’’
Mr King said while it might save money in the short term, ‘‘it’s really harmful to society’’.
He said if women were not receiving equal pay for equal work, it could make it harder for them to escape family harm situations.
‘‘The family violence thing has to come into it.’’
Camella Ross said it was not a case of women’s jobs being easier and therefore requiring less pay.
In her position as a support worker, two people would be sent out to jobs to ensure clients had taken their medication.
Ms Ross said the fact that two were sent proved how dangerous it could be, with not only grumpy clients, but violent ones, too.
‘‘If we aren’t making sure they are having their medication they could be a danger to society.’’
