Brian Connell National Commerce Spokesman

10 November 2003

Let staff decide on holidays

The Prime Minister's commitment to four weeks' annual leave is nothing more than another attack by this Labour Government on New Zealand businesses, says National's Commerce spokesman Brian Connell.

"Deep down, Labour has never been able to shake off its 'us and them' attitude towards employers," says Mr Connell.

"This proposed legislation is arrogantly assuming Kiwi workers and businesses cannot negotiate their own conditions and holidays. It reduces flexibility and prevents employees from choosing other work benefits over annual leave.

"Employers and their staff should be able to make their own decisions on the work/leisure balance. Pressing ahead with an extra week's leave means costs will rise and competitiveness will decrease. Simple as that," says Mr Connell.

"Ironically, Labour has been claiming that cutting compliance costs is a top priority but it's piling on new ones at every chance it gets. Changes to the Holidays Act and OSH legislation are two of the worst examples.

"Labour's largesse would be better received if it didn't make other people pay for it.

"There's no such thing as a free lunch. This legislation will add to the already hefty compliance burden being carried by the business sector and will lead to small and medium-sized businesses reviewing staff levels," says Mr Connell.

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