Will Sunday shop closures be reintroduced in Hungary?
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According to experts, a full Sunday closure would now be justified for commercial enterprises due to the skyrocketing electricity and gas prices. As for now, stores are considering closing at midday on the last day of the week. But when can the initiative of shop closures on Sunday come into effect?
As Zoltán Karsai, President of the Trade Union of Commercial Employees says, it is a huge cost-saving opportunity for a commercial enterprise if it has to cool or heat a store half a day less a week, or even light it at all. This is why, with the current energy prices, it is worth renegotiating the issue of closing shops on Sundays, which was already introduced in 2015-2016. The expert emphasized that the skyrocketing electricity and gas prices would now justify a full Sunday closure. However, for now, the target for commercial enterprises is to close at noon on the seventh day of the week.
According to the expert, another important issue to consider is the scheduling of work. As retail remains one of the sectors most affected by labour shortages, closing shops at noon on Sundays could lead to different weekend shifts and the bonuses received for them. As an advocacy group, the well-being of workers is their first and foremost concern, and they must take this important aspect into account.
As the Hungarian news portal Világgazdaság reports, although several parties have approached their organisation, the trade union does not want the question of partial Sunday closure to become a political issue. The union’s questionnaire has already been filled by thousands of people. Accordingly, trade workers are asked the following question: „We would like to rest on Sunday afternoon. Will you join us?” From September, the union leader will continue to collect signatures on paper in retail outlets, and they expect a real breakthrough.
Why does it have to be regulated? Shops should have discussions with their staff and decide for themselves if they want to open for a half day, a whole day or not at all. The government should not get involved.
On that theme, markets: when I lived in London, the busiest shopping days at markets (open or covered) are Saturdays and Sundays and they are closed on Mondays. Here in Budapest, the Lehel ter market that I use has a half day on both, despite there being lots of customers yet is open all day on a Monday when the place is like a ghost town. It does not make sense.
Henry – Concur.
Hungarian Government – this is another example of its Dictatorial – ideas & philosophy, style & agenda – just SHOULD – stay out of these types of Issues.
Business owners & operators – staff and cater for the wants and needs of Citizens – the Shopping days & Arrangement.
This is NOT – what Citizens appoint Governments to CONTROL and operate under their Laws.
Lehel ter – is brillant example which from our regular shoping – as Henry makes comment, could in fact be costing stall holders in-come, by the District & Government laws – that occupants have to operate and conduct their businesses under.
Henry, I guess you don’t live here long enough or you would have known that making sense and Hungary has nothing to do with each other.