18 July 2002

Rejection Of Four Weeks Leave Shows Need For Greens

Green Employment Spokesperson Sue Bradford today said Labour's rejection of four weeks annual leave showed why it was so important to workers that the Greens had real influence on the next Government.

Steve Maharey yesterday told a business forum that Labour would not increase the annual leave for workers from three to four weeks.

Speaking at an National Distribution Union Meet the Candidates forum in Christchurch this morning, Ms Bradford said the Greens have a strong record of going in to bat for the rights of workers and the issue of annual leave is no exception.

"We are disappointed that Labour have outright rejected four weeks leave for workers but this just firms the Green resolve to have real influence on the next Government and to push hard for four weeks of holidays for all workers."

Ms Bradford said over the last 20 years people had been working longer and longer hours and were spending less time with families. An extra week of holidays would be a good start towards addressing the imbalance.

"Labour's position on this issue should be a warning to some union leaders who are blanketly endorsing a Labour majority Government.

"What should be clear to workers is that a strong Green presence in the next parliament is all that can push Labour to introduce four weeks of annual leave. A strong Green presence has got to be good for workers."

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