Labour wants to Mondayise public holidays
Labour will introduce a members bill to ensure that holidays that fall on a weekend can be taken another day.
Labour will introduce a members bill to ensure that holidays that fall on a weekend can be taken another day.
Labour MP Grant Robertson said there were 11 public holidays a year, but when Waitangi Day and Anzac Day fall on a weekend -- like this year -- they should be able to be taken on a Monday.
"This year New Zealanders will only get nine of the eleven public holidays they are entitled to under the Holidays Act, because Waitangi Day and Anzac Day fall on the weekend.
"We don’t think that is fair, and I will be introducing a private members bill to make sure workers get the break they deserve.
"Anzac Day and Waitangi Day are of great importance. It is important that we continue to commemorate the days on the 6th of February and 25th of April. This Bill will not change that, but it will restore to New Zealanders the holidays they deserve."
He said that in Australia, Anzac celebrations are held on the actual day but a public holiday is also held on a Monday.
"Waitangi Day and Anzac Day are the only holidays that are not protected under the Act. Given that the situation only arises two out of every seven years we believe that it will be relatively easy for businesses to absorb the costs and in doing so ensure that workers get a fair go."
NZPA
Fri, 28 Jan 2011
Fri, 28 Jan 2011
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Labour wants to Mondayise public holidays
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