New Holidays Act Benefits All Working New Zealanders
“The improvements in the new Holidays Act are clear examples of gains won by the union movement which benefit all New Zealanders,” Council of Trade Unions president Ross Wilson said today.
The new Holidays Act was passed by Parliament today.
In addition to campaigning for four weeks annual leave for all workers, the CTU has been represented on the Ministerial advisory committee and the drafting group which developed the Bill with Government officials and Business NZ.
“The Holidays Act changes set a fairer minimum standard for society and will help workers get more balance in their lives and meet their family and community responsibilities,” Ross Wilson said
“The introduction of a separate bereavement leave entitlement recognises a responsibility which we all have to meet and that there should be a minimum entitlement by law for paid leave - which good employers pay already,” he said
Five days minimum sick pay will now be able to be accumulated from year to year up to a maximum of 20 days.
“Payment at time and a half for working on public holidays is also an acknowledgement that they are important social and family occasions and that a sacrifice is being made by those who work,” Ross Wilson said.
“All workers look forward to the minimum of four weeks annual leave from 2007 which has been secured by the Act passed by Parliament today.”
“The CTU
is proud to have led the campaign for the new Holidays Act,”
Ross Wilson
said.