Retail workers celebrate defeat of Easter trading bill

11 December, 2009

Retail workers are celebrating the defeat of a bill from National MP Todd McClay that would have made it harder for workers to spend Easter with their families.

Current Easter trading laws mean nearly all shops are closed on Good Friday and Easter Sunday, except in areas that have exemptions such as Queenstown and Taupo.

Todd McClay's bill would have allowed councils to remove Easter Sunday restrictions, in turn removing protections against retail workers being required to work over Easter.

Retail worker Margaret Dornan, who is Vice President of the NDU, said she was pleased with the decision that the majority of MPs had made.

"I think it has sunk home to MPs that families are more important than shops opening, and that community should come before commerce," she said.

NDU acting general secretary Karl Andersen said he hoped the vote would finally see an end to constant attempts by various Parliamentarians to liberalise shop trading.

"270,000 retail workers can rest assured that their Easter holiday is safe," he said.

"Shops are open 361 and ½ days a year and most shop workers could be required to work on any of these days. Tonight's vote protects the remaining 3 and ½ days for retail workers to spend some time with their families."

Parliament voted to reject the bill by 62 votes to 59.  The breakdown by party is as follows:

Labour: 43 against, 1 for.
National : 9 against, 49 for.
Greens: 9 against.
Maori Party: 1 against, 3 for, 1 did not vote.
ACT: 5 for.
United Future: 1 for.
Progressives: 1 against. 

For a more detailed breakdown click here.