9. Hon MARK GOSCHE (Labour—Maungakiekie) Link to this
to the Minister of Labour
What changes are being made to annual leave on 1 April this year?
Hon RUTH DYSON (Minister of Labour) Link to this
I am very pleased that as of 1 April New Zealand workers will be entitled to a minimum of 4 weeks’ annual leave. This extra break will give New Zealanders more time to spend with their families and friends, and to enjoy a well deserved rest. I am advised that 820,000 workers will benefit from this Government policy—a policy that I note the National Party opposed.
Yes, actually, I have. I have seen a report that states: “He’’—referring to the Hon Dr Michael Cullen—“should be reeling in talks of union-friendly changes to the Employment Relations Act and dumping the looming election bribe of an extra week’s paid holiday.” That statement was from John Key in 2004. But he now says that he will let workers keep their extra week of holiday. With yet another flip-flop from the current leader of the National Party, it is hard to imagine how anyone could trust him.