Retailers may have to close on certain national holidays if a Labour Code amendment proposal is successful, it was announced on April 1. The amendment, which was proposed by coalition MPs Marta Damborská (SNS), Ľudmila Mušková (ĽS-HZDS) and Ján Podmanický (Smer-SD), was moved on to its second reading in Parliament on April 1.
Muškova told SLOVAKIA that the main goal was to enable families to spend state-observed holidays together.
"We were approached by mothers who have to go to work when their children and other family members are at home."
The Labour Code allows work on these days only in special circumstances, such as for 24/7 operations, and when work is essential in order to prevent situations that threaten life or health, said the MPs.
According to the proposal, it would be possible for employers at certain facilities to agree with their staff that they will work on New Year's Day, Easter Sunday, Christmas Eve after 12 p.m., and Christmas Day. These facilities include petrol stations, hospitals and pharmacies, airports, ports and other transport facilities, and outlets that sell transport tickets and souvenirs.
The amendment is in line with the European Social Charter. TASR
Compiled by Zuzana Vilikovská from press reports
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