Bishops say workers’ family time under threat in Trading Bill.

“We are disappointed that the vote in favour of sending the Shop Trading Hours Amendment Bill to Select Committee means the rights of vulnerable workers and their families to time off at Easter is under threat,” said Cardinal John Dew on behalf of the Catholic Bishops of New Zealand.

“This is about ensuring that vulnerable workers can count on having time off for things that strengthen community and family life,” Cardinal Dew said.

“We are also deeply concerned that a dangerous precedent could be set in turning an issue that has always been a conscience vote, into a government Bill in which MPs are not free to vote according to their conscience. Conscience votes are an important protection for MPs and for society as a whole,” said Cardinal John Dew, President of the New Zealand Bishops Conference.