Workers have been robbed of Christmas for the next two years, with the NSW Upper House agreeing overnight to a two year trial of stores being opened on Boxing Day.

The NSW Government called for the Retail Trading Act to be amended to allow stores across the state to open their doors on Boxing Day, essentially forcing workers to give up their festive break.

Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association NSW Secretary Bernie Smith said that the decision today has come as a huge blow to the state’s workers in industries such as retail, and their families.

“The NSW Government has today robbed NSW families of Christmas this year,” Mr Smith said.

“It’s disappointing that the NSW Government has launched this attack on workers. It’s also very disappointing that MPs such as Rev Fred Nile have broken their election commitment to protect Boxing Day for families.

“With just over six weeks until Christmas, many workers already had their Christmas plans locked in. Now that’s all in turmoil.

“Our MPs have today decided that it’s more important that stores open on Boxing Day than it is that families get that time to spend together.

“They’ve stolen Christmas away from workers.

Mr Smith said it is critical workers know they have the right to refuse to work on important days like Boxing Day.

“No worker should be forced to work on Boxing Day, or any other important occasion. It’s important that message gets across to workers.

“We’ll be keeping a very close eye on stores and calling on any worker who feels pressured to work on Boxing Day to let us know.

“It’s disappointing that the NSW Government has robbed us of Christmas for the next two years, but we’re hopeful the government will see the error of its ways and that families will be able to celebrate together again in 2017.”