CGT leader criticizes government proposal

Sophie Binet, the general secretary of the CGT union, criticized the French government's plan to allow stores to open three extra Sundays until Christmas. She expressed her anger on France 2, saying the government always makes employees bear the cost of such decisions.

Union highlights impact on retail workers

Binet pointed out that retail workers, who are mostly women, already work unusual hours on weekends and evenings. She argued that adding more Sunday work would force them to sacrifice their family time even further.

Retail employment figures in France

According to the Federation of Commerce and Distribution, the retail sector in France employs 1.8 million people, with 792,000 working in the food industry. This highlights the significant role retail plays in the French economy and labor market.

Government defends voluntary Sunday openings

The government said the proposal would be voluntary and aimed at helping stores recover from losses due to protests. The labor minister noted that these openings would compensate for closures on Saturday protest days, and the measure would last only a few months.

Minister pushes for more flexibility

Commerce minister Serge Papin supported the plan and said he would ask prefects to use a decree allowing three extra Sundays. He also suggested that more than three Sundays could be allowed, depending on negotiations with unions and employers.

CGT calls for fair treatment of workers

Binet criticized the government for focusing only on business interests and ignoring workers. She pointed out that many employees are already losing 40% of their salary through partial unemployment and accused the government of being "shameful" for pushing for more Sunday work.