Employers, Not Workers, “Gaming” System – Public Holidays
The New Zealand Nurses Organisation (NZNO) refutes the accusation from the Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson that
workers are “gaming” the system to benefit from working on public holidays. In fact employers are often seeking to avoid
their legal obligations.
“Radius Residential Care Ltd, one of New Zealand's biggest residential aged care employers is altering shift times to avoid their legal obligations
under the Holidays Act to provide an alternative paid holiday to their employees,” said NZNO Organiser David Wait.
“The shameful thing is that Radius last week announced Christmas was coming early for their workers (by introducing a
‘staff benefits card’), at the same time as taking away public holiday entitlements,” Wait said.
“We need to strengthen the Holidays Act not reduce current entitlements,” said Wait.
ENDS