The debate over Sunday shopping hours continues, with supporters advocating fairness and critics defending rest days, as RTL visited Massen Shopping Centre in northern Luxembourg to gather opinions.

A proposed government reform aims to extend Sunday working hours from 4 to 8 hours, which so far required special permission. However, already 80% of the municipalities in Luxembourg have obtained the necessary permissions for their businesses, demonstrating that there is a high demand. Advocates are arguing that opening on Sundays - which remains a choice, not an obligation - benefits people in more than one way.

If you spend a Sunday afternoon in the Wemperhardt business district, you'll find the Massen Shopping Centre bustling with activity. Here, stores have been operating seven days a week for over 35 years. Arsène Laplume, General Director of Massen Shopping Centre, explains:

"Many of our Sunday customers travel from afar, and those who don't come on Sunday would probably travel far for dining or leisure outings anyway."

He also praised Ministers Delles and Mischo for initiating the reform, citing social changes and the modern need for flexibility. In some industries, Sunday work is normal, making the retail debate all the more puzzling. "Nobody is forced to work on Sundays," Laplume adds. "Employees here receive a 90% pay supplement, so many look forward to their shifts."

Positive feedback from employees working Sundays

RTL's interviews with employees revealed little criticism of Sunday work. Even in Horesca sectors, where Sunday wages are not higher, workers expressed satisfaction.

Bouchra El Bay, who has been in the industry for over 20 years, shared that she enjoys other benefits, like weekday downtime to handle personal tasks. "It's a lifestyle choice. I could work in other fields, I have the diplomas for them, but I chose this sector because I love my job."

Natacha Nelles, who has been in retail for 15 years, thinks that the majority of people enjoy working Sundays. "The extra pay helps, and families adapt over time. It's really about habits, I think."

Alice Gilleman, who transitioned to retail after years in office work, agrees: "I don't mind it at all, especially given that the team is generally motivated to work Sundays. We rotate shifts, meaning we usually only work 2 to 3 Sundays a month, to ensure fairness."

Laplume, the General Director of Massen Shopping Centre, dismisses the criticism of Sunday work from trade unions and opponents as outdated. "Society has evolved, and especially with online shopping operating 24/7, retail has to adapt, or it risks falling behind. Restricting Sunday shopping pushes our consumers to go online, increasing transportation and environmental impact."

Customers weigh in

The customer feedback on Sunday hours was largely positive, with shoppers appreciating the convenience of Sunday retail. However, many also empathised with employees. One shopper commented: "I used to work in the hotel industry. Working Sundays isn't great, but for those with free time, it is great to have options."

Another felt that Sundays should remain a day of rest: "Yes, shopping is convenient, but Sundays are meant for unwinding."

A final shopper commented that the atmosphere is different on Sundays, it is "more relaxed and focused on customer service."

The government's draft law to extend Sunday opening hours from 4 to 8 hours was submitted last autumn. Trade unions, however, insist that this should only be allowed under collective agreements.

Watch the original report in Luxembourgish and French:

Fundamental Gerechtegkeet oder "hellege Sonndeg"?
Kontrovers Diskussiounen ëm d'Reform vun den Ëffnungszäiten am Commerce. Wéi gesäit et um Terrain aus? Wat soen déi, déi selwer vum Sonndesschaffe betraff sinn?