Popović: The state should reward women workers in the trade, not abolish non-working Sundays

The Vice-President of Democratic Montenegro, Zdenka Popović, said that in that party they were "shocked" by the information that the Ministry of Economy is considering abolishing the non-working Sunday.

"The lack of feeling for the needs of employees in stores has truly crossed all borders. In addition to the absence of any state protection in relation to their rights from the employment relationship, now they want to abolish that one day of rest. In democratic societies, the non-working week in stores has long been introduced , and in Montenegro it was won after months of struggle. If in any sector the continuous work of employees is visible, then it is in markets, so that one day off, which is legally established, should not be questioned at any cost. Also, the dominant working day the strength in stores are women who are otherwise not protected from the continuous work process and misunderstanding of employers, so the non-working week is necessary and justified," says Popović.

She assessed that the excuses for canceling the non-working Sunday due to the losses of trade chains are unjustified.

"This is evidenced by crowds in all markets and increased traffic on other days, so that the non-working week cannot affect the level of income. Second, the citizens of Montenegro have acquired habits, shown understanding and accepted the non-working week. Also, the state must primarily take care of the rights of employees and their health, so these values ​​must not be sacrificed for the sake of profit," adds Popović.

Montenegro, as he points out, should be proud of women workers in "markets, pharmacies and all shops that were the first to be hit by the pandemic".

"It was they who showed courage, solidarity and sacrifice by exposing themselves and their families to a high degree of risk of infection. Instead of gratitude, the Government of Montenegro now wants to trample on that fact and punish brave workers by introducing a working week. This is unacceptable, irresponsible and humiliating. However , it's not the first time that the Government of Montenegro cheats women. It was the same with benefits for mothers with three or more children who were robbed by the DPS of what belongs to them. Even today, the pernicious policy wants to stand between female workers and the profits of shops, primarily owners of trade chains. This is another in a series of evidence that mafias rule in Montenegro, starting with the construction and hydro mafia, and ending with the trade mafia," concludes the vice-president of the Democrats.