Merchants call for the opening of all stores. They demand the cancellation of opening hours for seniors

The Trade Union calls for the opening of all stores, both food and non-food, under strict hygienic conditions (for example, 15 square meters of area per customer).

This was stated at a press conference by the president of the Trade Association Martin Katriak with the participation of the 1st vice-president of the association Pavel Konštiak.

​They demand the cancellation of opening hours for seniors

According to them, the opening hours of shops for the elderly should be canceled because they are underused.

“The trade union calls for all stores to be open, whether food or non-food, but in the circumstances that are set for open stores – strict hygiene rules, ie a strict 15 square meters per customer. This is a matter that can be done, “Katriak emphasized.

He also announced that about two months ago, the union filed a complaint with the Prosecutor General’s Office concerning a decree of the Public Health Office, which allows people who are positive for the new coronavirus to go shopping in stores.

“The Prosecutor General’s Office protested against this decree, thus convincing us (in this case) of the truth, “Katriak explained.

Critical infrastructure

According to Konštiak, the workers of the (should) trade should also get into the so-called critical infrastructure, as farmers were included by parliament a few weeks ago.

“Our saleswomen do not deserve to be included in the critical infrastructure, when from March 2020 they are exposed to the risk of COVID-19 infection in stores on a daily basis., “Konštiak underlined.

​Representatives of the Trade Union emphasized that traders have from 9.00 to 11.00. empty shops that are reserved for seniors only. “This pointless use from our point of view should already be abolished, because pensioners can go to the shops 24 hours a day and other customers cannot buy in the reserved hours under the threat of sanctions, “Konštiak underlined.

He pointed out that people positive for the new coronavirus can also go to the stores. “We (traders) are on the front line with doctors, because we meet a lot of people every day, “he said. According to him, traders would like to be vaccinated as soon as possible, after medical staff.” Because we, who have open shops, are in the first line. We should have the priority right to be vaccinated, “Konštiak added.