The SST has confirmed that John Key is to move ahead with his plan to shift low paid workers back from four to three weeks annual leave.
It is dressed up as an option but you would have to believe in Santa Claus to fall for that one.
At the same time the government is to move on the method of calculating holiday pay in order to reduce its value to seasonal and part time workers.
And the government has rejected to widespread calls for Easter Sunday to be a public holiday so that workers forced to work that day are paid something extra. It is plain weird that a Parliament which prays to a Christian god at the beginning of every sitting day refuses to recognise the most holy day of the year as a holiday.
People will take up the option if they’re poor and they will miss out on much needed rest.
Actually Trevor applying the proposed RDP formula to annual leave will reduce the holiday pay of any worker that has had a pay increase during the year or increased their hours etc – when I go on leave next week I will just be paid my normal pay. Under the proposed changes, my previous years pay will be averaged and that is what I will receive. For many it will reduce their pay during a holiday period – meaning some wont be able to afford to take a holiday and will probably sell a week! The current calculation for annual leave works fine – always has – with very few complaints. To change it would be oppourtunistic and a disgrace.
p.s I can send you the report if you like and you can see the CTU comments. The Minister received it late Wednesday and leaked it to the SST on Friday who have written a very poor report on it at the last minute. Out of courtesy neither the CTU nor BusNZ had distributed it as it was a report to the Minister. I have now sent it to all unions.
Yes please send it. She doesn’t seem too good on process. Silly really because it means she will end up offending people who are her natural supporters.
@Helen – send it to me too please. I can’t help thinking that the whole review was set up to make it look like the government was consulting, when they had a pre-determined position. Makes you think of all the effort some people put in and all the submissions – mind you we see it on the select committee as well.
I’m worried about the annual leave calculations – they’ve been around like that for years and worked well – will have a particular impact on lower paid workers who work irregular hours. Also the transfer of public holidays to another day – no demand for that as far as I know except from the EMA and Hospitality Association .
The holiday leave will have to be calculated better, and include protections for casual and seasonal workers.
But I have no need for four weeks leave – I already have 25 days owing and am about to get another lump of 20 days. I’d rather have the option of cashing some of them up.
“as long as employers and employees are able to come to a mutual decision, and there’s no coercion on the employer’s side.” That will happen when pigs fly.
Was the SST correct in suggesting that, as currently written, the proposed changes are acceptable to the CTU, which is only concerned about how related legislation may be drafted in the future? That doesn’t seem right to me.
See Helen’s comments above.
Thank you, and apologies for not reading closely enough before.
I think this is another great idea (and one they did campaign and won the election on). It will of course apply to all workers. For instance most Government Department give a lot if not the majority of staff 4 weeks annual leave – this can be difficult to use up. So being able to cash up a portion of their leave will be appreciated especially as some may choose to do so when they ned money for say christmas, or a dental bill.
I always wonder why Labour think they have the arrogance to think they speak for all workers rather than letting them have choice. And this is about choice as much as anything.
Also Trevor, the most holy day of the Christian year is actually Good Friday – not easter Sunday (which would probably be second)
The ‘option’ to give up a week is a farce. Look back at why this policy was indroduxced and it was allways lose the 4th week, it wasnt until the spin Doctors ( Crosby Textor?)had a go that they came up with the formula of ‘optional’ knowing full well that you wouldnt be much choice for most
@Monty lets not change this thread into a religious debate but what most Christians believe made Christ different was not that he died on a cross, which was pretty common back then, but the resurrection.
Totally agree that it is weird that “parliament prays to a Christian god” ; that and all other religious references and practices should be eliminated immediately. Would also be wise to eliminate all religiously motivated public holidays and replace with a random selection of Fridays or Mondays.
boy you have to be so careful when you are a worker these, devils will really screw the poor old tired wee workers, especially if they cant be bothered to join a union kiwijan