1 April 2007 Media Statement

An historic win for New Zealand workers

From today all New Zealanders have the right to a minimum of four weeks paid annual leave. "This is a significant labour reform and we are proud to have played a key role in ensuring New Zealand workers achieve world class conditions of work," Jim Anderton, Leader of the Progressive Party, said today.

The reform was initiated when then Progressive MP Matt Robson introduced a private member's bill to the House. The Holidays (Four Weeks Annual Leave) amendment Bill was passed by Parliament with a 32 vote majority on 16 December 2003.

"That day was the culmination of the Progressive Party's campaign, which we conducted alongside the trade unions. We got 11,000 postcards in support during the campaign. On the day my bill was passed in the House, we felt proud to be part of an historic win for workers in New Zealand," Matt Robson said.

"As I said at the time, a majority of parties have shown that they understand the pressures faced by working families as they balance their working and family commitments."

"I agree with my colleague, the Minister of Labour, Ruth Dyson, when she says that this Labour-Progressive coalition government has a commitment to make sure the fruits of our economic success can be enjoyed by all our families," Jim Anderton said.

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