Labour will not introduce 4 weeks annual leave without a coalition partner

Alliance Leader Laila Harré said today that if New Zealanders wanted 4 weeks annual leave to be introduced by the next Government they could not allow Labour to govern alone.

“Labour has made it clear today that 4 weeks annual leave is not their policy. They will need a coalition partner with a clear commitment to 4 weeks annual leave, such as the Alliance, to make sure it happens.”

Her comments come after a politicians’ panel at the Business New Zealand conference in Wellington today at which Steve Maharey, speaking on behalf of the Labour Party, told the audience that Labour would not introduce 4 weeks annual leave in the next term of Government.

When challenged by Laila Harré as to whether not introducing four weeks annual leave was a “bottom line” for Labour, Steve Maharey said that Labour would not “put it on the table”, but that they would negotiate with a coalition partner if Labour had one.

“Steve Maharey has told us that 4 weeks annual leave will not happen if Labour governs alone or with a coalition partner that doesn’t have a policy of 4 weeks annual leave,” said Ms Harré.

“What that tells unions, workers and other New Zealanders who support 4 weeks annual leave is that they will have to make sure the Alliance is back in government with Labour to win on this issue. That means giving their party vote to the Alliance. It will not happen unless we are there – and it’s not just me saying that, it’s also Steve Maharey.”

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