ESEE asks PM to intervene on Sunday store opening
The federation of Greek tradesmen is calling on the prime minister to prevent stores from being allowed the option of staying open on Sundays, as provided by a new bill drafted by the Development Ministry.
In a letter addressed to Antonis Samaras, the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce (ESEE) says that it agrees with stores being open across the country on seven Sundays a year – twice before Christmas, once before Easter and once at the start of each sales period – but is vehemently opposed to lifting the ban on Sunday opening for the rest of the year.
The confederation conveyed to the prime minister that it is not opposed to Sunday opening per se, especially given the fact it has already suffered the effects of the country’s six-year recession, but that it fears opening stores on Sundays would be “the wrong move.” ESEE also expressed concerns that on its next visit the troika would change market conditions at the expense of small- and medium-sized enterprises and in favor of larger players.
ESEE, along with the Hellenic Confederation of Professionals, Craftsmen & Merchants (GSEVEE) and the Federation of Private Employees of Greece (OIYE), will hold a press conference on the issue on Monday.
