European Sunday Alliance

Germany

03/2010

Labour court decides: A dismissal is not permitted if an employee denies working on Sunday. A painter refused to do overtime work on Sunday for personal reasons. During the legal procedure, the employer could not prove the urgent operational necessity for work on Sunday. Link to the case

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AUSTRIA: Austrian Constitutional Court confirms shop opening hours

14 June 2012

In its judgement (G 66/11-8) of 14 June 2012 the Austrian Constitutional Court confirmed that the prohibition on shop opening on Sundays and bank holidays is consistent with the Austrian constitution. The overall objectives of shop closing or opening hours are: the protection of the interests of consumers, the aims of the competition regime and the socio-political function. All of these objectives would be in the public interest, says the Court.

SPAIN: Supermarket employees will be entitled to at least five weekends off a year

20 June 2012

The National Court is Spain gave unions satisfaction. Supermarket employees will be entitled to at least five weekends off a year, regardless of the fact that their workload is divided over 4, 5 or 6 days a week. The National Court gave satisfaction to the CCOO and UGT unions against the sector's employers' organizations, which claimed that this right was reserved to 6 days a week. (Ref. 120408)

ITALY: permanent dialogue between Municipalities and sector union organizations

19 March 2012

ANCI and the three Italian unions CGIL, CISL and UIL have decided to develop a permanent discussion table on the topic of liberalisations of working hours and openings of stores, norm included in the “Salva Italia” act, on which it is necessary to reflect and evaluate also in regard to possible effects and implication.

Content:

Germany

AUSTRIA: Austrian Constitutional Court confirms shop opening hours

SPAIN: Supermarket employees will be entitled to at least five weekends off a year

ITALY: permanent dialogue between Municipalities and sector union organizations