Poland reopens discussion on Sunday trading as consumers call for an extra shopping day

CONSUMERS ARE WORKERS WITH THE DAY OFF

Abby Chitty

Tue 29 October 2024 

Poland has reopened its discussion on Sunday trading following consumer calls for an additional day to run errands.

Under the current law it is forbidden to trade and perform activities related to trade in commercial establishments on Sundays, although this does not cover postal services, confectioneries, ice cream parlours, liquid fuel stations, flower shops, newsagents, or cafes.

The ban was introduced by the former national-conservative Law and Justice (PiS) government, following a campaign by the Solidarity trade union and Catholic church.

However, the new ruling coalition of the centrist Poland 2050 party and Donald Tusk’s Civic Coalition pledged to end the ban after it replaced the PiS in December 2023.

Earlier this year, a bill easing the restrictions and allowing two shopping Sundays per month was submitted to Poland’s parliament. Under the proposals, those working on a Sunday would receive double pay and an extra day off.

Poland 2050 MP Ryszard Petru claims that by loosening Sunday trading, the retail sector would see an increase of about 4% in turnover with employment rising by 40,000.

Roman Rogalski of the Vistula Employers' Association Lewiatan says the choice on whether to trade on Sundays should be left to businesses and their employees.

"If it pays off for the employer, it also pays off for the employee. This is their decision. One wants to work on Sunday for a higher salary, and the other wants to earn on Sunday because maybe he has such a need. I want to point out that we are in a time of a large budget deficit and taxes are very important. Consumption is falling for us this year. As a result, VAT revenue is also lower. Perhaps these shopping Sundays would partially solve this problem," Rogalski told reporters.

Changes in trade regulations, one of the 100 points in the election program of the current government, are being processed by the parliamentary Economic and Development Commission.

Some of the most important changes propose that work on Sunday would be paid at double the wage, and the employer would be obliged to provide an extra day off to the employee.

The Association of Polish Trade and Services Employers also says the proposal to restore Sunday trading should include some restrictions, such as shorter opening hours for establishments.