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Significance of Labour Day
CTU Media Release
22 October 2012
Significance of Labour Day
Many workers will be enjoying a welcome day off
today. Labour Day commemorates the struggle for an
eight-hour working day and in particular when Samuel
Parnell, a carpenter, won this right in Wellington in
1840.
It has been a public holiday since 1900.
Peter Conway, Secretary of the Council of Trade Unions, says “many gains have been made by workers since those early days”.
“However, with 162,000 people unemployed, 110,000 seeking additional hours of work, and major attacks under way or in the pipeline on pay and conditions of work, there are many challenges that remain”.
A Bill to reduce pay for young workers has been introduced and further changes to reduce pay and conditions for workers are expected in amendments to the Employment Relations Act announced by the National Government.
Peter Conway said that unions stand for decent work and a living wage. We will continue to stand up for those values and campaign to maintain and improve pay, job security and conditions of work.
ENDS
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