THE union representing retail workers said the state government had ruined Christmas for hundreds of local families by legislating this week to permanently allow retailers across NSW to trade on Boxing Day.
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Shop Distributive and Allied (SDA) Employees Association NSW secretary, Bernie Smith, said the move would rob retail workers and their families of the ability to spend the Christmas period together.
Mr Smith said that by allowing Boxing Day trading, NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet was forcing workers from across the Central Coast and Lake Macquarie to work when they should be enjoying time with family and friends.
“A trial of trading on Boxing Day over the past two years has shown us that the only thing opening stores on the 26th does is rob workers and their families of the opportunity to spend the festive season together,” Mr Smith said.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Hunter and Central Coast, Scot MacDonald, said the two-year trial had, in fact, been well received by stakeholders.
The trial of Boxing Day trade and subsequent review by Professor Percy Allan had found “clear support” for unrestricted Boxing Day trade among consumers, retailers and employees, Mr MacDonald said.
On Tuesday, more than 150 workers from across the state – including shopping centre Santas - marched on state parliament to call on politicians to protect Boxing Day from retail trading.
Among them was part-time supermarket worker and SDA delegate from Gwandalan, Fiona Scott, who said “nobody’s going to die” if the shops are closed for two days.
“Before the trial [of Boxing Day trading] 99 per cent of staff did say no,” she said.
“Since then, word came down from head office that there wasn't to be a repeat in our store.
“I wouldn't say you're forced to work, but you're pressured by the managers. They keep asking you, keep saying they have no one.”
Mr MacDonald said the legislation was passed on Wednesday night, and was an important win for the Central Coast and the Hunter because it placed both regions on equal footing with the rest of NSW.
“The legislation is now uniform across NSW and ensures equal treatment for the regions” the local MLC said.
“I have had strong positive feedback for Boxing Day trading in those LGAs that were previously restricted.
“The legislation will bring benefits to local businesses and support local jobs. It will give both employers and employees flexibility.”
Mr Smith said the decision was hardly about flexibility.
“Central Coast workers deserve to be able to spend the Christmas period with their family and friends. They shouldn’t be forced to spend the important occasion stocking shelves or working behind registers,” he said.
Mr MacDonald said employees need not feel compelled to work on Boxing Day because the legislation provided strict safeguards to protect workers.
Retailers who force staff to work on December 26 could face fines of up to $11,000 per employee.
The government will also host an inquiry in October 2019 to further assess the impact of the reforms.
Ms Smith said the Christmas wish for local retail workers was simply to be able to have two days off – Christmas and Boxing Day.
“There’s plenty of time for shopping, but Christmas only comes around once a year.”