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Bunnings makes the right decision
Darien Fenton
Labour List MP
Media Statement
11 March 2008
Bunnings makes the right decision
Labour MP Darien Fenton has congratulated Bunnings Warehouse for their decision not to open on Easter Sunday this year.
She says that the decision is in line with the majority decision of parliament last year not to further liberalise shop trading hours on Easter Sunday.
“I was extremely concerned that Bunnings broke the law last year, because in my view, it showed contempt for workers’ rights.”
“I am hoping that this is a turning point in Bunnings’ recognition that their staff are their greatest asset. They now need to comply with other employment laws and settle a decent agreement with the workers’ union.”
Ms Fenton is cautioning other supermarkets such as Pak n Save and New World Stores who may be planning to open on Easter Sunday.
“Everyone likes to talk about work life balance, but we
continue to see a drive for longer and longer hours.
“Retail workers already work evenings, weekends and on
many public holidays. Easter Sunday and Easter Friday are
currently two days they can guarantee in a year that they
will not be asked to work.
“I say to any companies planning to open in defiance of the law on Easter Sunday to stop for a moment and think about the impact of that decision on the lives of their workers,” says Ms Fenton.
ENDS
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