'Monday-ised' holidays one step closer
Parliament has narrowly passed Labour's holiday amendment bill through its first reading.
Labour’s holiday amendment bill has made it to its second reading.
United Future’s Peter Dunne provided the crucial "yes" vote during today’s first reading of the Holidays (full recognition of Waitangi Day and Anzac Day) Amendment Bill, which would see those two public holidays transferred to a Monday if they fall on a weekend.
The private members’ bill was submitted by Dunedin north MP Dr David Clark in February and was to have its first reading in April.
It passed through its first reading 61 votes to 60.
Labour deputy leader and Grant Robertson originally drafted the bill and says it represents a fair deal for New Zealanders.
Dr Clark says he is looking forward to the bill passing through the House.
“So hard-working Kiwis can get the holidays they deserve, every year, not just five years out of seven. There are 11 public holidays in the public holidays act and we deserve all 11, and this bill makes sure we get them all.
"The growing significance of Waitangi and Anzac days to our sense of identity and history mean they deserve full recognition… The problem is here in front of us and we should get on and fix it.
"The only other argument I have heard put forward by members outside this chamber is that it somehow demeans the day … that’s rubbish.
"We know they ‘Mondayise’ Anzac and their national day in Australia and attendances at both events have gone up,” Dr Clark says.
“It’s interesting that today, MYOB released results of a survey they conducted last year where they asked their members, businesses, what they thought of the proposal and 50% of SME business owners said they supported the idea – just 13% opposed the policy.
“Business owners tend to take a positive view of policies that support their employees.”
Read more about what this bill means for employers here.
A second Labour-backed private member's bill, for extending paid parental leave, also passed its first reading.
Blair Cunningham
Thu, 26 Jul 2012
Thu, 26 Jul 2012
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'Monday-ised' holidays one step closer
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