La Arena, by Redaccion Avances: The Commercial Employees’ Centers of Santa Rosa and General Pico have rejected the proposal to repeal the “Sunday Rest” Law, asserting that “Sunday belongs to everyone, as does the right to enjoy it.”
“In light of the proposal by legislator María Laura Trapaglia to repeal Law 2717—the Sunday Rest Law—we believe it is necessary to recall certain facts and, crucially, to request the data that would justify dismantling a regulation that has been in effect for nearly 13 years. Law 2717 was not an imposition by the State or by workers upon business owners; rather, it was the result of a broad agreement reached between the Commercial Employees’ Centers of La Pampa, business chambers, and the provincial government. This consensus was also reflected in a decisive political outcome: 29 out of the 30 provincial legislators voted in favor of its enactment. Therefore, if, after nearly thirteen years, anyone claims that the law has led to a decline in sales, job losses, or economic harm, they should provide the statistics to prove it,” stated Rodrigo Genoni, of the Santa Rosa Commercial Employees’ Center, and Daniel Lovera, of the General Pico center, in a joint statement. They posed the following questions: “How many jobs were actually lost due to the Sunday rest policy? Which large retail outlets closed down because they couldn’t open on Sundays? What sales simply vanished, rather than shifting to the other six days of the week or to small, local businesses? Furthermore, one crucial fact cannot be overlooked: in La Pampa, shopping is still possible on Sundays. Neighborhood grocery stores, greengrocers, kiosks, ice cream parlors, delis, and various other local shops—all explicitly permitted under the law—remain open. The regulation primarily restricts the opening of large-scale retail outlets. There is an economic rationale for this: throughout the week, large chains command an immense commercial, financial, and advertising advantage. Sundays offer an opportunity for small, neighborhood businesses, helping to ensure that a portion of consumer spending remains within the local economy. Allowing large retail outlets to open on Sundays does not automatically lead to job creation; there is no requirement to hire even a single additional worker. Companies could simply spread their existing workforce across seven days by using rotating days off, reduced shifts, and various new organizational and scheduling arrangements.”
“Sundays belong to everyone.”
Meanwhile, labor representatives pointed out that the actual outcome could be the exact opposite of what is being promised: the same number of workers spread out over more days, leading to greater flexibility—and greater precariousness—in their working hours. “Having a day off on a Tuesday is not the same as having a Sunday off. On a Tuesday, children are in school, one’s partner may be at work, and the family goes about its usual routine. A day of rest on Sunday serves a different purpose: it provides a common day for the family to spend time together. Furthermore, Law 2717 is not limited solely to Sunday rest. It establishes special provisions for Christmas and New Year’s, setting closing times for retail businesses on December 24th and 31st, so that those who work can also enjoy the year-end holidays with their families. Underlying this legislation, therefore, is a much broader vision than simply determining when a supermarket should open or close. It reflects a philosophy regarding work, family, community, and balance—a recognition of the value of workers’ time. Law 2717 should not be repealed; it should be defended, because behind every worker is a family, and behind every family is a life that also deserves to be cared for. Sunday belongs to everyone, as does the right to enjoy it,” they concluded.
Our Comment:
These are basically the same reasons that God gave the seventh day sabbath for. They are just switched to Sunday.
Prophetic Link:
“The substitution of the laws of men for the law of God, the exaltation, by merely human authority, of Sunday in place of the Bible Sabbath, is the last act in the drama. When this substitution becomes universal, God will reveal Himself. He will arise in His majesty to shake terribly the earth. He will come out of His place to punish the inhabitants of the world for their iniquity, and the earth shall disclose her blood, and shall no more cover her slain.” Testimonies for the Church, Vol. 7, page 141.
This article was translated from Spanish.