The Employers' Union (UPCG) has once again appealed for the lifting of the ban on Sunday work, in order to provide a chance for the economy and tourists, without violating the rights of employees.
"The UPCG once again publicly appeals to the Government and all political actors to consider with understanding and without prejudice the need to amend the Law on Internal Trade, which, as of 2019, prohibits the operation of wholesale and retail stores on Sundays and during holidays," the UPCG said.
The MEF appealed that the abolition of the non-working Sunday should not be seen as a threat to workers, but as a necessary measure that would contribute to a more responsible and realistic functioning of the market, the development of tourism, and the improvement of the business environment.
"It is important to emphasize that even before the adoption of this ban, most shops in Montenegro did not work on Sundays, nor would they be required to in the future. The decision would be left to the employers themselves, who could decide, in accordance with their business assessments, whether working on Sundays is worthwhile," said the MECG.
This, they added, primarily applies to boutiques, grocery stores and other sectors, which record higher traffic during the weekend, especially during the winter and summer tourist seasons.
According to its representatives, MEF, through a long and responsible process of negotiations, within the Social Council, together with the union and representatives of the Government, managed to reach a model that is harmonized in the interests of both workers and employers.
They emphasized that this proposal had previously received the approval of two ministers of economy in previous governments, which confirms that it is a well-thought-out and widely accepted compromise.
The model envisages that the rights of employees will be protected through an increased daily wage of 80 percent for work on Sundays and a mandatory day off during the following week, while at the same time giving employers the opportunity to decide whether to work on Sundays, based on real market needs and business calculations, especially during times of increased consumer activity in the summer and winter tourist seasons.
"This model would make Montenegro more attractive and accessible to tourists, while respecting labor rights. However, the agreement reached by social partners was ignored by MPs from all parliamentary parties, who did not support the interests of either the economy or the employees, which they actually represent," said the MEF.
The employers' association said that ignoring the agreement reached at the Social Council is in itself a kind of precedent and proof that politicians have their own goals that do not necessarily coincide with the goals of the economy and its employees.
"Montenegro already faces serious challenges - limited accessibility, poor air connectivity, outdated transport infrastructure and insufficiently efficient municipal services. The Sunday work ban only contributes to the closure of Montenegro within its own borders, which further undermines the image of Montenegro as an open and tourist-friendly destination," the MEF warned.
With 52 non-working Sundays and at least 16 public and religious holidays, shops will be unable to operate for at least 68 days this year.
This, according to the assessment of the MEF, represents a kind of restriction of business activities and restriction of the freedom of business entities to conduct business, but also discrimination in relation to all other economic sectors that do not have such restrictions.
The MEF has called on all competent authorities and institutions to engage in dialogue, in order to jointly find the best solution and achieve a balance between protecting employee rights and enabling the normal functioning of the market, preserving jobs and strengthening the competitiveness of Montenegro as one of the leading tourist destinations in the region.
Bonus video:
