Workers are a step closer to getting a holiday for nationally
important dates every year after a law change was approved by
Parliament.
Labour Party MP David Clark's bill passed its second reading
despite failing to win the support of the National or Act
parties. It passed by 61 votes to 60 with every other
political party voting for it to progress.
The legislation will give workers a holiday on the following
Monday when Anzac Day or Waitangi Day fall on a weekend.
Dr Clark said his bill had the backing of most New
Zealanders, including businesses - the only study of support
for the law change showed that 87 per cent of employers were
in favour.
But National Party MP Chris Auchinvole told Parliament that
the bill was unnecessary and would have little impact on the
economy.
"It does nothing to address the real issues facing employees
and employers," he said.
National MP for Tamaki Simon O'Connor said he was concerned
that the bill belittled veterans and used nationally
important days "as an excuse for a holiday".
- Isaac Davison of the NZ Herald
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