Otago employers, workers, to decide on anniversary day

5 February 2008

This year Otago Anniversary Day, March 23, falls on Easter Sunday. When the holiday is observed will need to be agreed between employers and their staff.

The department’s service manager in Dunedin, Mark Murray, says employers should discuss this with their staff and reach agreement on when they intend to observe the holiday.

“They should follow any provision in their employment agreements or follow their own custom and practice, unless they agree otherwise. For example, if a workplace has always observed anniversary day on Easter Tuesday, and does so again, we will not challenge this.”

If it is agreed to observe the anniversary day on March 24 (Easter Monday), then the Holidays Act will treat the day as one public holiday, not two.

If people do not have a clear custom and practice then they should try to reach agreement on when they observe the holiday.

He says anyone who would like help in working this through in their workplace can seek help from a labour inspector.

For further assistance and advice call the Department of Labour’s employment relations freephone 0800 209020 or check the website www.dol.govt.nz

The decision follows extensive consultation with employers, community groups and members of the public.

ENDS