Easter Sunday saved for families, opposition bill defeated
Today Parliament recognised that a work-life balance for Kiwi families is important, but the Progressive’s two votes
were vital.
“Parliament rejected the opposition’s Shop Trading Hours bill by just 58 – 60 votes, with two MPs not registering a
vote. Without the Progressives, the Bill could well have progressed into law to the detriment of families,” said Matt
Robson, Progressive deputy leader.
“Shops will continue to close on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Anzac Day morning, providing a small
amount of time for families to be together.
“I want to thank the National Distribution Union, who campaigned against the bill and in one month gathered over five
thousand petition signatures, and the CTU for their efforts. It shows that the traditions of the labour movement working
collectively for the benefit of all are still strong in New Zealand.
“All Progressive MPs and all Green MPs voted ‘No,’ as did six United Future MPs. 10 National MPs joined us, but only 33
Labour MPs voted ‘No.’ Over a third of the Labour caucus, 18 MPs, voted in favour of the bill,” said Mat Robson.