The hidden costs of a work-free Sunday
23 November 2024
Laws in Bosnia and Herzegovina seem like they’re not made to work. Last Sunday was the first work-free Sunday in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, preventing employees in grocery stores from working on Sundays. While sold as a workers' rights initiative, it actually reduces the income of those relying on higher Sunday pay, and removes the flexibility of having a weekday off, which many might find more useful.
Furthermore, exceptions exist for bakeries, gas stations, and flower shops, creating inconsistencies. The usual argument is that grocery store workers have families to get back to, while the family life of workers in other types of stores is seemingly ignored. This law also only applies in the Federation of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while stores in Republika Srpska can still open on Sundays, leading many people from the Federation to cross over for groceries, making this the perfect example of Bosnian absurdity.
Small business owners are also disadvantaged, as they lose the flexibility to operate independently. Meanwhile, cities risk becoming even less vibrant on weekends, negatively affecting tourism and local economies. Instead of outright bans, fair overtime pay and worker protections could better balance labour rights and economic needs. Workers' rights across the Balkans are in a tough spot, with many still fighting for fair wages, decent working conditions, and basic protections that should be guaranteed.
 | Tea Kljajić Banning Sunday work might seem like it helps workers, but it mostly benefits local corporations trying to avoid paying extra for Sunday shifts, since it isn't as profitable. It's also a way for them to shield themselves from upcoming competition, like Lidl, which is ironically known for offering better pay. The idea that Sunday workers never get a day off is misleading – it's really a matter of failing to enforce labour laws like the 40-hour workweek. Croatia's similar law is equally inconsistent, allowing stores to open on specific Sundays for tourism seasons. Instead of bans, the focus should be on fair wages and enforcing workers' rights. |
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