Easter trading rule changes will be opposed

Media Release: National Distribution Union
Thursday November 19, 2009

Attempts to change Easter trading rules will be met with opposition

The union for retail workers says that fresh attempts to open shops for business on Easter Sunday will be met with strong opposition from shop workers, community groups and churches.

A new bill to liberalise Easter trading was drawn from the ballot at Parliament today.

“There are only three and a half shopping-free-days each year when 300,000 shop and retail distribution workers know that they will not be under any pressure to work,” said Robert Reid, National Distribution Union General Secretary.

“Our current trading restrictions on Good Friday and Easter Sunday ensure that retail workers have at least some ability to take part in family, community and religious activities at this time.”

Shop workers will be most directly affected by further liberalisation, but the impact would be widely felt, Robert Reid said.

“Sports tournaments, marae working bees, church services, family holidays and other social activities all stand to lose if Todd McClay’s bill makes it in to law.”

“Easter should remain a holiday that everyone can enjoy, and we’re determined to keep it that way,” Robert Reid said.

ENDS