The Brisbane Times reports (2.5.16) on differing opinions about the Labour Day public holiday in Queensland returning to its traditional May date, with the Council of Unions and the Chamber of Commerce disagreeing about the merits of another day off for workers in the first half of the year.
‘Queensland unionists have linked the importance of Labour Day with Anzac Day as they mark its restoration to the traditional date in May.
‘The public holiday was shifted to the second half of the year by the former Newman government in order to better space out public holidays throughout the year and reduce the impact on businesses, before the Labor party reversed the change.
‘Queensland Council of Unions president Rohan Webb said last week “tens of thousands” of people turned out for Anzac Day. “We have no doubt we’re going to see tens of thousands of people come out here for Labour Day to recognise the achievements of working families in this country,” he said at the march in Brisbane’s CBD.
‘When questioned on his comparison, Mr Webb spoke of the traditions of Anzac Day and the “great men and women” who fought for Australia. “A lot of them came back and became trade unionists in this country and led the charge across the country to ensure decency,” he said.’