Greek Protesters Clash with Police over Extra Working Hours on Sunday

World | April 14, 2014, Monday // 10:51|  views

Photo by EPA/BGNES

Clashes erupted in Greece between protesters and riot police in the capital Athens during a demonstration against a decision on extra Sunday working hours for retailers.

No injuries or damages occurred, according to Greek newspaper Kathimerini.

Some 500 protesters were reported to have taken part, mostly retail employees, but also members of anarchist groups, who demanded that the government abandon its plans to keep shops open on more Sundays than before in order to stimulate the economy.

The three-hour-long demonstration ended short after the police used tear gas to disperse participants.

The Greek government has decided to give a push to domestic consumption and spending by introducing a program envisaging extra working hours for retailers.

Under the new legislation adopted under pressure by international lenders, shops will be open seven Sundays a year, instead of two Sundays, as the previous law stipulated.

The new measure has divided the opinion in Greece, with some employees dismissing it as counterproductive and some retailers arguing it might help their businesses.

Greek Orthodox Church representatives spoke against the decision, saying that Sunday should be dedicated to religion and respite.

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Tags: greece, protest, Sunday, shops, retail, employees, anarchists, church, international lenders, economy

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