Opening Up Easter Trading Will Have a Negative Effect on Pacific Families

The CTU Komiti Pasefika said today that any easing of Easter trading restrictions would have a negative impact on the ability of Pacific families to take part in worship, family and community activities.

“Christianity is the corner stone on which pacific peoples are built, and families are high on the list as well,” said No'ora Samuela, Auckland Co-Convenor of Komiti Pasefika.

“We are heartened by recent comments of the Catholic Bishops, who noted that easing trading restrictions over Easter will deprive workers the opportunity to not only give time for worship if they are Christian, but to spend time with families and in sporting, cultural and leisure activities.”

“As the Bishops noted, ‘Liberalisation for some creates shackles for others’,” he said.

“Pacific workers are over represented in low paying jobs and work deemed vulnerable, and the pressure to work is great. Pacific workers’ ability to achieve a work-life balance will not be helped if Parliament removes two of the last remaining non-trading days retail workers have off to spend with their families.”

“Komiti Pasefika is opposed to any easing of Easter trading restrictions,” said Mr Samuela.

Ends.

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