The union representing Illawarra retail workers says its worried extended public holiday trading would hurt local families.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association has met with workers in Wollongong to talk about Government plans to allow retail trade on Boxing Day and the potential for that to spill over into other holidays like Easter and Anzac Day.

They say these public holidays are often the only time retail workers get to spend two days off in a row with their family and friends.

NSW Secretary Gerard Dwyer says that time is precious. Listen to the interview on Wave FM here.