'Santas' protest Boxing Day trade

Unionists and religious leaders have pleaded with the NSW parliament to "save Christmas" and vote against a bill that will allow Boxing Day trading across the state.

Disgruntled workers, including some dressed as Santa, protested outside parliament on Tuesday afternoon where the legislation is due to be voted on by the state's upper house.

If passed, the bill will extend December 26 trading laws from designated zones in Sydney's CBD and the eastern suburbs to western Sydney and regional areas.

Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association NSW secretary Bernie Smith says a change to the law will restrict valuable family time.

"Retail workers have been serving the community so hard this time of year, they deserve the two days off together," he said.

"It's in the power of the upper house to say no."

His plight was backed by Uniting Church Reverend Niall Reid who appealed to Christian Democratic Party leader Reverend Fred Nile to "save Christmas".

"I would plead on behalf of myself and many others within the Christian faith, really take seriously the opportunity to say no to opening these days up to work for people who really need the time to rest and be with their families," he said.

Retail worker Jack Whitney said he fears Christmas Day will be the next target.