The Council of Trade Unions is backing the call of two former All Blacks to protect family time at Easter.
A government bill, which will make it easier for shops to open on Easter Sunday, is due back before Parliament this week for its third and final reading.
Former All Blacks Savae Michael Jones and Aiolupotea Tonu’u this week called on Parliament to not interfere with Easter Sunday, in the interests of Pacific people who have obligations to their churches, communities and families on the day.
CTU secretary Sam Huggard agrees.
“There are only 3 and a half days each year when shops are closed. These days are very previous for retail workers as they are the only guaranteed days off that shop workers cant be rostered on.”
“Lots of community activities happen at Easter – school reunions, community group working bees, religious observance and more.”
“Some things are more important than shopping. We can can shop on the other 361 and a half days a year. It’s time for Parliament to do the right thing and protect family time at Easter,” Sam Huggard said.
More than 5,000 people have signed a petition asking Peter Dunne and Te Ururoa Flavell to vote to protect Easter.
