Politicians’ lamenting the latest job losses while at the same time proposing to pass a law that imposes more costs on business – by Mondayising Waitangi and ANZAC Days – does not make sense, says the Employers and Manufacturers Association (EMA).

“Actions speak louder than words,” EMA’s Employment Services Manager David Lowe told the Transport and Industrial Relations Select Committee this morning on the Mondayising proposal.

“Mondayising these days is simply legislating a holiday. Where do people think the money to pay for extra holidays will come from?”

“Waitangi and ANZAC days are commemorative days and will be celebrated on the day they fall regardless.

“Some businesses do support the Mondayisation – mainly tourism that benefits from a long weekend, and owner-operators who get a day off too.

“But the large majority of employers do oppose the law and are frustrated at those who wring their hands in angst over job losses and then vote for laws that make matters worse,” he said.