5 May 2004
Hon Matt Robson MP, Progressive Deputy Leader
More Labour MPs wanted to vote against Easter Sunday trading
Today Parliament has a chance to provide a work-life balance for Kiwi families by rejecting Rodney Hide’s Shop Trading
Hours bill. The current situation where shops do not open on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day
morning provides a small amount of time for families to be together.
“I have presented the petition of Ros Hiini of the National Distribution Union and 3,108 other people. They are urging
Parliament to vote against Rodney Hide’s Shop Trading Hours Bill. Their voices are added to the over two thousand
signatures presented immediately before the three week Easter recess,” said Progressive deputy leader Matt Robson.
“What is need now is for more Labour MPs to vote against Easter Sunday opening.
“All Progressive MPs and all Green MPs are voting ‘No,’ as are six United Future MPs. About five National MPs will join
us, but it seems a significant number of Labour MPs are not yet committed to this protection for working New Zealanders
and their families.
ENDS