DCC’s Easter trading 2018 survey is ‘flawed’

THE Dunedin City Council has developed and made public a survey that invites responses from three key groups as to the decision to allow Easter trading in 2018.

The survey is flawed and unfair and fails to invite responses that could ensure a balanced and critical review of the council’s decision.

Firstly, the notion of employer and employee is lost in the language that the DCC has used to frame the survey choices. Secondly, the questions that are being asked in the survey of the employee do not allow the employee to respond to the critical aspects of this legislation in terms of the legislative requirements that the employer must comply with.

The DCC has created a survey that only invites positive responses from three different perspectives — public survey, retailer survey and employee survey. Employees, however, report that in some cases sufficient notice of requirement to work was not given and feelings of being pressured to work were not uncommon.

Question two of the employee survey implies they should be grateful they were offered work.

Finally, there are no assurances that respondents’ replies will be kept confidential. That alone may restrict responses.

The DCC needs to show it is neutral on this matter and committed to a much more robust and valid way of collecting multiple perspectives and voices.

Fiona Matapo Convener, Unions Otago

Railing not that bad

I ATTENDED a recent concert at the Dunedin Town Hall and saw the controversial railing in the dress circle.

Frankly, I cannot understand what the hue and cry is all about. It looks tasteful and perfectly in keeping with the other furnishings and decor.

Although no accidents or falls have ever happened, this is not to say they won’t, and any such mishap could easily be fatal.

Health and safety issues can never be ignored. It isn’t that high and any front row patron would have to be exceedingly short in stature to have their view obstructed.

Clive McNeill

Maryhill