ZAGREB, May 28 (Hina) - The Social Democratic Party's (SDP) bench in the Croatian parliament believes that banning work on Sundays altogether would harm the country's economic development. Services which are vital for citizens and
stores should be open Sundays, but workers' rights must be respected and inspections have to step up control, the party says.
ZAGREB, May 28 (Hina) - The Social Democratic Party's (SDP) bench in
the Croatian parliament believes that banning work on Sundays
altogether would harm the country's economic development. Services
which are vital for citizens and stores should be open Sundays, but
workers' rights must be respected and inspections have to step up
control, the party says. #L#
Addressing a news conference in parliament, party members
dismissed media claims that the SDP was in conflict with the Church
because it opposed Caritas's initiative to ban the work of stores on
Sundays.
Dragica Zgrebec said the party and Caritas representatives had
agreed at talks that work on Sundays was not a problem, but the fact
that employers did not compensate workers for work on Sundays and
holidays -- special bonuses, days off -- was.
"Along with serving mass on Sundays, the Church, too, performs
commercial services by selling religious materials," said SDP
vice-president Mato Arlovic.
"Is it possible to ban work on Sundays in one business and not in
others? Why should some have a privileged status?," he asked.
The SDP does not support Sunday work in principle, but advocates
that it be reduced to the minimum, with consistent respect for
workers' rights and increased inspections.
Milanka Opacic said the parliament would soon discuss draft
amendments ensuring greater rights for workers and the possibility
for labour inspectors to sanction "on the spot" employers who
disregard workers' rights.
(hina) lml