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Slovenia: Mercator Workers Free for All Saints, Christmas, and New Year

All Mercator stores in Slovenia will be closed for All Saints on November 1, Christmas on December 25, and New Year on January 1, as agreed by the management and employees, Mercator’s management announced in a press release on Thursday.

The management of the still largest retail chain in Slovenia believes that this move will be welcomed by both employees and customers.

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“This is a gesture to emphasize the importance of the time we spend with family and loved ones, and that time is precious to our shopkeepers as well,” said Mercator’s director Tomislav Čizmić, as reported by the media.

Sunday Work

Possible restrictions on store operations on Sundays and public holidays have recently been updated by a legislative proposal submitted by independent MP Andrej Čuš. According to the proposal, store operations on those days would be strictly limited to only certain types of smaller grocery and other essential goods stores. It is questionable whether the proposal will receive parliamentary support, although it has been accepted that a special discussion on the working issues of retailers will be held.

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Employers in retail warn of significant competition that forces them to adjust working hours, as well as changing shopping habits.

Unions are inclined towards legal solutions that would ensure that work on Sundays and public holidays is appropriately compensated.