The GRTU said today that 'in agreement with Government' it had submitted a request for the suspension of the legally enforceable charge of €700 on each retail outlet wishing to open on Friday 10th February (St Paul's Shipwreck). Saturday 31st March (Freedom Day), Thursday 7th June (Sette Giugno) Friday 29th June (Mnarja,) Saturday 8th September (Victory Day) and Friday 21st September (Independent Day).

"By general consent of retailers and their employees no request was submitted for the opening of shops on Christmas Day and on Good Friday," it said.

"GRTU strives for the freedom of shop owners to be given the opportunity to decide themselves as on which dates to open for business but insists on due respect to traditions and the special characteristics of the Maltese," the association said.

It said it continues to support shop owners' and their employees' freedom to choose to reserve a day of rest preferably on Sunday which in Malta is for most the family day of rest.

"The shift GRTU is demanding is from a legal imposition to a choice by shop owners, who in their vast majority are owners-managers and family businesses."

Up to recently, the GRTU had been saying that shops should be allowed to open on public holidays when they were close to some event which was important for business.

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