Retailer workers could potentially be forced to work on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day are fighting the O'Farrell Government's recent decision to allow Boxing Day trading for all NSW retailers.
As part of the attack against the O’Farrell Government, NSW opposition leader John Robertson has presented a 9,000 signature petition opposing the plan.
"The O'Farrell Government's claims that no one will be forced to work on Boxing Day or come in to prepare the store for sales on Christmas Day or any other public holiday are plain wrong,” Robertson said.
"Any retail worker will tell you that it is inevitable that they will be forced to work on Boxing Day or any other public holiday if their employer chooses to open or call staff in to prepare for the sales.”
Shadow Minister for Industrial Relations, Sophie Cotsis said: "There are already 360.5 days retailers can trade in NSW – Christmas Day, Boxing Day, Good Friday, Easter Sunday and a half day on Anzac Day are the only occasions when trade is restricted and that is the way it should remain."
"The O'Farrell Government's Bill will also spell disaster for small business retailers in shopping centres who will be forced to open by their landlords on public holidays.
"All this will mean is that small business owners, security staff, cleaners and other shopping centre workers will also lose out on spending time with their family and friends on public holidays.”