The end of Easter holidays
Posted: Friday, 6 April 2012 | By: Sophie Cotsis
The NSW Labor Opposition has slammed the O'Farrell Government's plan to cut public holidays – making this weekend the last Easter that retail workers will be able to spend with family and friends.
Barry O'Farrell has proposed changes to shop trading laws which will effectively axe public holidays for retail workers in NSW – forcing them to work on Easter Sunday, Good Friday Boxing Day and even Christmas.
"This could be the last time retail workers in NSW get to celebrate Easter with their families," said Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis.
"Staff will find themselves called in to work on Christmas Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Anzac Day morning when they should be at home or out in their communities, celebrating with their families and friends.
"NSW Labor strongly opposes these changes and will fight to keep it from becoming a reality. Retail workers deserve to have this time off.
"The Easter public holidays should be for all members of the public, and that includes shop staff."
"The shops might be open, but there are some things money can't buy."
Shadow Minister for Small Business, Adam Searle said he is concerned that the Bill will force some small business owners to open on the few days of the year they would usually take some well-earned respite.
"These changes will increase the pressure on small businesses to open on public holidays – because neighbouring medium and large businesses will do just that," said Mr Searle.
"Small business owners, especially small family-run businesses, will be the ones to suffer most.
"Anyone who's ever run a small business knows how much time and energy goes in it.
"Public holidays are a chance for small business owners to have a well earned rest but the O'Farrell Government wants to deny them that opportunity."
Retail workers across NSW have opposed the change. The Shop, Distributive & Allied Employees' Association (SDA) has launched a petition to bring the concerns of retail workers and community members to the O'Farrell Government's attention.
Workers have been sharing their stories with the Labor Opposition. If you will be affected by this law, please contact sophie.cotsis@parliament.nsw.gov.au
"We need your support to stop the O'Farrell Government from taking away the few remaining public holidays when retail staff can relax and spend time with their families," said Ms Cotsis.
Tags: Barry O'Farrell, Industrial relations, John Robertson, public holidays, Sophie Cotsis