MEDIA RELEASE
01 February 2002
New Holidays Act proposals meet
needs of modern workplace
“Proposed changes to the Holidays Act set a fairer minimum standard for society and will help people get more balance in
their lives and meet their family and community responsibilities,” Council of Trade unions president Ross Wilson said
today.
The Government has announced key decisions on the new Holidays Act which will replace the present complex and out-dated
Act.
“The introduction of a separate bereavement leave entitlement is a recognition of a responsibility which we all have to
meet,” he said.
“There should be a minimum entitlement by law for paid leave and good employers pay that already,” Ross Wilson said.
“Payment of time and a half for working on a public holiday is also an acknowledgement that they are important social
and family occasions and that a sacrifice is being made by those who work.”
Ross Wilson said it was also important to publicly acknowledge that the basis of the announcement was the work of a
joint Business NZ – CTU advisory group which reached a high level of agreement on complex and difficult issues which
earlier Governments had given up on.
“There are some disappointments for workers, including the decisions against four weeks annual leave, the protection of
11 public holidays for all full time workers, and allowing periodic payment in advance of holiday pay,” Ross Wilson
said.
“But the CTU will continue working on these and we look forward to continuing to work with Business NZ and Government
officials developing new legislation.”
For further information contact Ross Wilson, Tel: (04) 802-3812