Last Supper for Easter Sunday holiday?

This Sunday could be the last Easter Sunday holiday for many New Zealanders, if the National Government goes ahead with its plan to allow local councils to let shops open on Easter Sunday.

The Shop Trading Hours Amendment Bill is currently before Select Committee and is expected to pass later this year.

“People who work in retail are only guaranteed three and a half specific days off a year to spend with their families – National shouldn’t be cutting that to only two and a half days,” Green Party workplace relations spokesperson Denise Roche said.

“Our shopping laws are already some of the most lax in the world. Easter Sunday should be a public holiday when everyone has time off to spend with their families.

“National Government Ministers say no one will be forced to work on Easter Sunday, but that shows how out of touch they are with ordinary working people. In reality some people just won’t be in a position to say no if their boss asks them to work.

“National’s plan to let local councils decide whether shops can open on Easter Sunday passes the buck to local councils and the cost of change to ratepayers, and undermines working people,” said Ms Roche.

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