"Should Market Chains Be Closed on Sundays? Debates Ongoing"

The Issue of Market Chains Being Closed on Sundays is on the Agenda

The "Family at the Market: Together Holiday, Strong Society" workshop, organized in cooperation with the Turkish Retailers Federation (TPF) and the Turkish Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK), has sparked significant discussions about the need for market chains in Turkey to be closed on Sundays. Representatives from the public, academia, media, and civil society organizations came together at the workshop.

A Historic Development from TPF

TPF Chairman Ömer Düzgün emphasized during his speech that the sector is at a historic development stage. Düzgün pointed out that a consensus has been reached regarding the closure of markets on Sundays, referring to the effectiveness of various applications in European countries.

Effects on Family and Employment

Düzgün stated that having Sunday as a holiday would support strong family structures and quality employment. "This issue is about protecting the family, retaining employees, making professions attractive again, and building sustainable, quality employment," he said. He expressed hope that a final step would be taken by the Ministry of Trade on this matter.

Positive Impact on Employees’ Family Relationships

One of the keynote speakers, ATO President Gürsel Baran, explained that the working arrangements in markets eliminate the opportunity for employees to spend quality time with their families. Baran stated, "A working arrangement that allows for the preservation of social life will increase productivity in the long run and strengthen the family."

Support for Small Tradesmen

TESK President Bendevi Palandöken expressed that the proposed regulation will protect small tradesmen and increase employees' participation in the workforce. Palandöken also emphasized the importance of this regulation in strengthening social harmony.

Diverse Discussions

In the program, which also included the participation of Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services Zafer Tarıkdaroğlu, various sessions were held on topics such as "Family Institution and Legal Perspective," "Employee Psychology and Employment Continuity," and "Economic Sustainability and Social Balance."