Holidays bill introduced

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33625, 29 August 1974, Page 3

Holidays bill introduced

(Neto Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, August 28. All workers will get at least three weeks annual holiday under a bill introduced in Parli < ’ m ' ar,t

I. New Zealand lagged behind many democratic countries in the provision of holidays, and the measure would be welcomed by those who now received only two weeks. HIGHER COST The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Muldoon) asked for the bill to go to a Select Committee, and said the Opposition would question the economic consequences of the move. Mr J. B. Gordon (Nat., Clutha) said the move might add 6 per cent to many people’s wages, and more if they earned high overtime income. Also, would people already getting three weeks or more demand an increase, too? . J • ' Mr Watt said the bill did not need to go to committee because it was already accepted by most people and being put into practice by I the commission. It would also wreck the hopes of workers who wanted to take their extra week this Christmas. Mr Gordon’s figure of 6 per cent was incorrect, and the I economic effect would not be great because most workers already received three weeks holiday. As for pople already on three or four weeks, they would not get an automatic increase — and any increase which gave them an effective pay rise exceeding 11.25 per cent must be approved by the commission, said Mr Watt. The bill was given a first reading.

Their holiday pay will be calculated on gross earnings, including overtime. The Annual Holidays i Amendment Bill increases the minimum entitlement from two weeks to three weeks, and says that gross earnings will include all salary, wages, allowances, commissions and [any payments made in lieu of cash, such as lodging allowances — but will not include any bonuses or taxfree expense allowances. The Minister of Labour (Mr Watt) said that the period of three weeks was promised in Labour’s election manifesto. Because the bill was expected, more than two-thirds of the awards coming before the Industrial Commission gave three weeks after 12 months of employment, and often earlier.