Slovak retailers agree to close shops on public holidays

Retail and wholesale outlets should be closed on public holidays, claims the Slovak Trade and Tourism Association (ZOCR), calling for a legislative change that would adjust opening hours in this sense, TASR learnt on Thursday. There are currently 15 public holidays in Slovakia. "It's a big advantage for employees. They have a day off when they don't have to go to work. However, this doesn't apply to employees in the wholesale and retail sectors. Current legislation states only 3.5 days [at Christmas, Easter and New Year] when shops must be closed," said ZOCR president Pavol Konštiak during a news conference on Thursday. "We're talking about shops that should be closed on public holidays, not about airports, stations or filling stations," explained Konštiak, believing that this issue will require a legislative change. Meanwhile, ZOCR supports the Economy Ministry's idea of revising the number of public holidays so that business interests are taken into consideration. It also views this intention as beneficial for the economy. EU-member states have 12 public holidays on average to Slovakia's 15. "Reducing the number of public holidays or a more suitable dispersion, i.e. shifting free days from midweek to Mondays or Fridays, would ensure higher GDP growth in Slovakia and bring energy, as well as cost savings to businesses," stated Konštiak.