Media Release: National Distribution Union
Saturday December 25, 2010.

Spare a thought for those at work over the holidays

The National Distribution Union is asking the public to spare a thought for people working on Christmas Day and other public holidays this summer.

“Thousands of people in emergency services, health, retail, transport and logistics and other sectors are at work over the Christmas and New Year period,” said Robert Reid, National Distribution Union General Secretary.

“These workers deserve acknowledgment for keeping the country ticking while the rest of us are enjoying time off with family and friends.”

Robert Reid said that Christmas Day was very important for retail workers, as it is one of only three and a half shopping-free-days each year.

“Today, Easter Friday and Monday, and Anzac morning are the only days when 300,000 shop and retail distribution workers know that they will not be under any pressure to work, and will have at least some ability to take part in family, community and religious activities at this time."

Robert Reid said that time-and-a-half wages and a day in lieu was a small acknowledgement of the sacrifice being made by those who work over Christmas and other public holidays.

Ends.

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