In half a year approximately 56,000 people signed a petition for banning work on Sundays, organised by civil association the Sunday Alliance.
“According to Eurostat, about 21 percent of Slovak employees have Sunday and night shifts, the highest rate in the European Union", said alliance vice-chairman Peter Novovesky. He added that with an hourly wage of €8.30, Slovaks have one of the lowest pay rates; about a quarter of the average IN the European Union. Petition organisers say that employees in retail chains are the most affected by the combination of poor pay and long hours. Currently, Slovak law says that shops must be closed on New Year's Day, Christmas Day, and Easter Sunday, and after 12 p.m. on Christmas Eve.
Anca Dragu
