‘‘It was a petty, disgraceful decision by the government,’’ Mr Battams said.

‘‘Labour Day had been held on the first weekend in May for 112 years.’’

The state government decided to move the Labour Day holiday earlier this year, citing a 2011 survey that found ‘‘most people’’ were in favour of moving the May Day holiday instead of the Queen’s Birthday public holiday.

At the time, the government was accused of fudging the figures to justify the Labour Day move, by interpreting 2 per cent support in the survey as a majority opinion.

‘‘There is no reason why the Queen's Birthday holiday couldn't be held in October,’’ Mr Battams said.