News

The Italian Government has announced the full deregulation of shop opening hours in Italy in conjunction with an unacceptable austerity program. The UNI Europa Commerce affiliates  Filcams, Fisascat and Uiltucs have been put aside: We are shocked to learn that the writer of this legislation comes from the Federdistribuzione, the employers' federation of commerce.



There is a risk that stores and supermarkets open 24 hours a day, Sundays and public holidays such as Christmas and Easter without negotiations with the unions.



We condemn the attack against employment. There may be closures of thousands of small and large businesses that can not withstand competition. There will be even more precarious workers hired for these unsocial hours.



Consumers will be affected, because these closures will be concentrated in residential areas, local retailers, and this will be in favour of big retailers in the suburbs. And the elderly? And people with mobility problems? And those who do not have a car?



This change in legislation promises to be a disaster for the historic centers of cities in the provinces, with an accentuation of desertification.



Consumption will not increase with the extension of opening hours, as the purchasing power will be under pressure due to austerity measures.



Tomorrow, the increase of night work, Sunday and holidays, will create a gap between workers and their families, will increase the malaise at all levels.



UNI Europa Commerce supports the unions Filcams, Fisascat and Uiltucs initiatives for mobilizing for the strike on December 12 in order to fight against the austerity package and to promote quality employment measures in the commerce sector in Italy.