“We know from long experience how precious our few remaining shop-free days are for families and communities,” says Caritas Director Julianne Hickey.
She was responding to the announcement by the Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse that The Government will change “arbitrary” national Easter Sunday trading restrictions and put the onus on local councils to decide opening hours.
“There are a range of activities that take place at Easter because most New Zealand workers are guaranteed time off work – including church activities, but also sports tournaments, school reunions, hui, unveilings and other marae gatherings,” said Hickey.
She says that once shops are open, many retail workers and others such as cleaners and security workers will end up working whether they want to or not.
“For those experiencing financial pressure, families and communities will be deprived of their presence, and our whole society will be the poorer for it,” she says.
“Giving more choice to businesses takes away choice from working families and it impoverishes communities.”
“We have a very long track record of submitting and commenting on proposed changes to Easter trading hours. However, there has been no consultation with Churches or unions on this proposed legislation.”
Over the past 25 years there have been more than 10 attempts to make changes to Easter trading laws, each of which has been defeated as New Zealanders have consistently expressed their views on the matter.
Hickey points out that a number of National Members of Parliament have a record of voting against liberalisation of Easter trading hours in conscience votes, including the sponsor of this Bill – Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Michael Woodhouse.
“We are concerned and disappointed that now this is introduced as a government bill, rather than a private member’s bill, a number of Government MPs will be required to vote against their conscience.”
Although some businesses have expressed a desire for more commercial activity at Easter, Hickey said it is the most vulnerable workers with the fewest choices who should be the focus of debate around this bill.
“Easter is one of the few times of the year when many families and communities are guaranteed important time together.”
“We should be supporting that, rather than undermining it and moving further towards a consumerist lifestyle that Pope Francis has warned against. ”
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