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Labour will protect everyone's holidays

Grant Robertson
State Services spokesperson

28 January 2011 Media Statement

Labour will protect everyone's holidays


Labour will ensure that New Zealanders get the eleven public holidays they are entitled to, every year, by legislating for the holidays for Waitangi Day and ANZAC to be taken on a Monday if they fall on a weekend, Labour Wellington Central MP Grant Robertson says.

“This year New Zealanders will only get nine of the eleven public holidays they are entitled to under the Holidays Act, because Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day fall on the weekend,” Grant Robertson said.

“We don’t think that is fair, and I will be introducing a private members bill to make sure workers get the break they deserve.

“ANZAC Day and Waitangi Day are of great importance. It is important that we continue to commemorate the days on the 6th of February and 25th of April. This Bill will not change that, but it will restore to New Zealanders the holidays they deserve.”

“Australia manages to commemorate ANZAC Day on the 25th of April, but also ensure there is a public holiday on a Monday if that date falls on a weekend. We can do the same.”

“Waitangi Day and ANZAC Day are the only holidays that are not protected under the Act. Given that the situation only arises two out of every seven years we believe that it will be relatively easy for businesses to absorb the costs and in doing so ensure that workers get a fair go.”

“I would urge all parties to support the Bill to a Select Committee so the public can have their say,” Grant Robertson said.


ENDS


Private_Members_Bil_Holidays.doc

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