Kiwis deserve a real break - Labour, CTU

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Fri, 22 Apr 2011 6:17p.m.

Many Kiwis want another day off work

Many Kiwis want another day off work

By Rachel Morton

Trade unionists are hitting out at the Government for not allowing New Zealanders to have a five-day break this holiday weekend like Australians are getting.

With Easter Monday and Anzac Day falling on the same day this year, Australians are being given Tuesday off as well. Many people on this side of the Tasman think we should too.

At Muriwai on Auckland's west coast today families were using their day off from work and school to spend time together.  They've still got three more days of family time but even so, many say they've been short-changed.

They want one more day off so that Easter Monday and Anzac Day can be celebrated separately.

There are 11 statutory holidays on the New Zealander calendar, but this year we only get nine days off work - because of this weekend's double up and Waitangi Day falling on a Saturday.

The Council of Trade Unions says it's just another reason for Kiwis to move to Australia.

"Australian working conditions are better than ours in all respects," says president Helen Kelly. "We know they get paid more, their health and safety record is better and they get more holidays."

Labour wants public holidays 'Mondayised', and says New Zealanders deserve a break now more than ever.

"It's been miserable, it really has," says Darien Fenton. "They haven't been getting wage increases and as I said, they've been working harder than ever. We work some of the longest hours in the OECD."

3 News tried to contact Minister of Labour Kate Wilkinson for comment, but we haven't heard back – it is after all, a public holiday.

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Comments

23 Apr 2011 01:57p.m.

Alan wrote:

I live in Sydney and not only do I get a five day weekend but I get all five paid out as public holidays. If I choose to work them I am paid double time and a half. Of course theres a gap between the 2 countries Gerald, Frederick et al but it shouldn't be getting wider.

23 Apr 2011 08:13a.m.

Steve wrote:

Claire, Helen - just where do you thinks some businesses will get the money to pay staff?

Claire, on thing the Labour Party was good at was handing out money to all in sundry. National is doing its best to sort out the mess from Clarkes run in power. As for a 'few extra days off' what are school teachers down here in Christchurch doing? Hell, school holidays now - they all had a 3 or so weeks off due to an earthquake - they should be back teaching kids!

Doug.....mmmm yeah I do not think it is top of the list for being urgent. Spot on.

23 Apr 2011 12:41a.m.

Clarke wrote:

If you are unhappy with your job katrina then go get another. People are entitled to expect reasonable working conditions, if you are unhappy being only paid for when you work and your thankless job is getting you down. Get a job with benefits. Although perhaps I think you protest a little too much. Perhaps you are an employer and want to nip this nonsense in the bud before people actually start to believe they are entitled to something that you dont personally want to give them?. Are you one of the business people who just got a tax cut per chance Katrina?. If not I suggest you stop your complaining and get a decent job.

22 Apr 2011 11:28p.m.

katrina wrote:

I can not believe everyone is quibling over half a day.
@Claire - you are forgetting that not all New Zealanders are employed getting four weeks leave and stats each year, some of us are self employed and only get paid (if we are lucky) when we actually work. Not everyone is on a gravy train.
really, I don't think losing half a day of holiday once in a blue moon is going to make people move to Aussie. Talk about over dramatising.

22 Apr 2011 11:20p.m.

Jonathon wrote:

@Gerald. you seem to be the only New Zealander that hasnt been made aware of the facts in respects to the Hobbit.. you must have missed all the leaked emails. Oh well I guess the barely informed are entitled to comment as well... although you do kind of look a little foolish. I cant believe how unintelligent the right has become in recent years, they are being blindly followed by a pack of idiots lol

22 Apr 2011 09:37p.m.

Brent wrote:

Less we forget and do it tuesday.

22 Apr 2011 09:02p.m.

Doug wrote:

Easter monday coinciding with ANZAC day will next occur in 2095, so I don’t think its really an urgent issue.

22 Apr 2011 08:37p.m.

michael potter wrote:

@gerald, when we have people like you ,the right wing anti union out of touch brigade, we can guarantee workers are shafted. helen kelly acted like a true and honest person and should have had an apoligy when the truth came out,that
the only anti union was the national party and peter jackson.not the americans who out smarted mr key and got a
very large payout to bring the movie to nz.
what a disgrace that you talk so much rubbish.

22 Apr 2011 08:29p.m.

Claire wrote:

Oh please, Gerald. This current government has given New Zelanders nothing but unemployment, falling living standards, despair and weakened labour laws which benefit bad employers. The least that they could do is give us a few extra days off. These aren't "extra" holidays- they would simply be what working New Zealanders would be entitled to in a standard year.

22 Apr 2011 08:09p.m.

Frederick wrote:

Still trying to compare our conditions with everyone elses? This is New Zealand and we will live by our rules not other peoples. I am not jealous of any Australian or their life style. This place is great but we need to work to pay our way. No free ride, no handouts.