GRTU wants shops to open on May 1

The GRTU has called on the government to allow shops to open on May 1, a public holiday which this year falls on a Saturday.

"For most consumers a two-day weekend with no shopping is too long. This creates particular problems to super-markets, mini markets and other retailers that sell services, goods and other retail activities sought after by consumers, normally at the end of the week," the GRTU said.

It said that a survey it conducted among retailers showed that 71% preferred to open on May 1 while 29% preferred to stay closed.

"If the government agrees to this, it will constitute an opportunity to business owners who choose to open but by no means will it mean that shop owners will be made to open against their will or that this will apply for any other public holidays," the GRTU said.

The government had allowed retailers to open on March 31, Freedom Day, but had warned that in so doing, it did not wish to set a precedent for every public holiday. March 31 was a Wednesday, two days before Good Friday.