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CHILE – President Bachelet signs a law which substantially improves the lives of retail workers
President Bachelet signs into law an agreement that grants 7 additional free Sundays a year to retail workers. The law comes into effect as of 1 April 2015.
The legislation also covers part-time workers who work at least four days a week.
The normal hourly rate is increased by 30% for all Sunday work. Part-time workers, even if they only work one day are week, are covered by this provision.
The law is the fruit of an enormous effort undertaken by Conatracops and other trade unions and federations in the commerce sector. It is also the result of the process to grow the union. Our Confederation has succeeded in trebling its membership in just three years, and it currently has 42000 members. Conatracops was one of the organizations to win the UNI “Breaking Through” award. This award is given to trade unions that have succeeded in developing union recruitment strategies leading to a substantial increase in membership.
“This law will give working people a better work/life balance. The right to rest days is a basic human right. We congratulate our Chilean brothers and sisters, and express our gratitude to President Bachelet”, said Adriana Rosenzvaig, Regional Secretary of UNI Americas.
