On the second Sunday in May, the 23rd, stores will be open in accordance with the provisions of the Joint Ministerial Decision (JMD) on emergency measures, which are valid until Monday 24 May.
The decision concerns:
grocery stores (supermarkets, mini-markets, bakeries, butchers and fish shops, pastry shops); pharmacies; gas stations; dry cleaners; pet shops; as well as outlets selling tobacco products and vapes (electronic cigars).
Opening hours: from 7 to 22:30. Except for delivery, which is valid until 1 night, and pharmacies and petrol stations, which operate in accordance with special provisions on an individual basis.
Retail stores, including department stores, shopping malls, general stores, beauty salons and hair salons, may also be open this Sunday. Hours of operation: 7:00 am to 9:00 pm.
Backlash from unions to work on Sunday
Representatives of the Patras Chamber of Commerce issued a statement urging all local market participants to say no to the opening of stores on Sunday 23 May.
Traders and businessmen talk about “an attempt to cancel the weekend” by the country’s authorities, which, in their opinion, is illegal, “is part of the general framework for regulating labor relations and is introduced to the detriment of society, in favor of the interests of a certain group of people.”
The decision also affected the previous Sunday, May 16, provoking a sharp reaction from trade workers, who were notified, even before the publication of the ministerial decision, about the opening of stores on Sunday May 16. The President of the Federation of Private Trade Workers of Greece (OIYE), Mr. Themis Grigoriadis, complained to the web publication iEidiseis about “secret negotiations” in preparation for the opening of retail stores.
The Athens Labor Center, responding to OIYE’s call, responded last Sunday with a 24-hour strike in response to store openings. “Another“ working ”Sunday, not provided for by law, is presented by the minister to employers. The work plans have been drawn up in large department stores for several days, and now an official paper comes with the signature of the minister. The Athens Labor Center condemns such schemes and demands from the government not to open trade this Sunday. Sunday is a day off, and we must all take this into account, ”the center said in a statement.
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