Media Release: National Distribution Union
Thursday April 9 2009

 
Who’s taking away our Easter?

On the eve of Easter, the union for retail workers is hoping that this year won’t be the last one that shop workers can enjoy with their families and friends.

“In 2007 retail workers joined with churches and community groups to stop two bills in Parliament that would have removed their ability to have Good Friday and Easter Sunday off,” said Laila Harré, National Secretary of the National Distribution Union.

“But now ACT leader Rodney Hide wants to take Easter away again.”

Hide has said shop trading hours laws will be included in a government review of unnecessary bureaucracy, and that people ‘just want to get on with their lives unhindered by silly rules.’

“Our Easter trading laws are not just silly rules.  They are there to ensure a bare minimum of non-trading days that celebrate and encourage family life, community activity and religious observances over narrow commercial interest.”

“There are currently only 3 ½ days each year when shops can’t trade.  This is hardly an onerous requirement.”

Shop workers will be most directly affected by further liberalisation, but opening shops at Easter will impact on everyone. Sports tournaments, marae working bees, church services, family holidays and other social activities will feel the impact, Harré said.

“We will be keeping a close watching brief on Rodney Hide’s regulatory review, and yet another private members bill which is going into parliament’s ballot.”

“Easter should remain a holiday that everyone can enjoy, and we’re determined to keep it that way,” Laila Harré said.

Ends.

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