25.12.2025 14:34
The tradesmen, artisans, and representatives of the retail sector have reached an agreement for supermarket chains to remain closed on Sundays. Ömer Düzgün, the Chairman of the Board of the Turkish Retailers Federation, stated, "There is no obstacle in front of this regulation. We are now waiting for our Ministry of Trade to have the final say and take the final step."
Tradesmen, artisans, and representatives of the retail sector reached a consensus on Sunday regarding the closure of supermarket chains, at a workshop hosted by the Turkey Retailers Federation (TPF).
According to a statement from TPF, a workshop titled "Family Sunday: Holiday Together, Strong Community" was organized in collaboration with the Turkey Confederation of Tradesmen and Craftsmen (TESK). Representatives from the public, academia, media, and civil society organizations attended the workshop. TPF Board Chairman Ömer Düzgün stated in his speech that the sector is on the brink of a historic development. Düzgün reported that sector representatives reached a common agreement on the closure of supermarket chains on Sundays, a practice implemented in most European countries.
"THIS ISSUE IS ABOUT PROTECTING THE FAMILY"
Pointing out that taking a holiday on Sundays is essential for strong families and quality employment, Düzgün stated: "This issue is about protecting the family, retaining employees, making the profession attractive again, and building sustainable, quality employment. There is no obstacle in front of this regulation. We are now waiting for our Ministry of Trade to have the final say and take the final step. This decision is not only the expectation of the sector but also of society."
"IT IS IMPORTANT TO REMEMBER THAT THIS ISSUE HAS MULTIPLE DIMENSIONS"
ATO President Gürsel Baran, who participated in the program, noted that the working arrangements and Sunday shifts in chain supermarkets eliminate the opportunity for employees to rest and spend time with their families on the same day. Baran emphasized that the retail sector, which operates in a broad ecosystem, is strategic, stating, "A working arrangement where employees can spend time with their families and social life can be preserved will increase productivity in the long run and lay a stronger foundation for families, society, and the economy. It is important to remember that this issue has multiple dimensions; the sector's competitiveness, economic balances, consumer expectations, and the sustainability of businesses should be addressed together."
TESK President Bendevi Palandöken also stated that the regulation would protect small tradesmen, strengthen the participation of employees in the workforce, and enhance social peace.
Within the scope of the program, which was also attended by Deputy Minister of Family and Social Services Zafer Tarıkdaroğlu, sessions titled "Family Institution and Legal Perspective," "Employee Psychology and Employment Continuity," "Economic Sustainability and Social Balance," and "The Economic Rationale of Sunday Holiday" were also held.