Mallorca consumers demand say on Sunday shop openings

Consumer groups in Palma, Mallorca, say they are being shut out of decisions on which Sundays and public holidays shops may open. The Balearic Consumers and Users Association, Consubal, has asked the Balearic Government to involve it from the start of the process. The group made its demand on Friday, 18 September.

Consubal says the Inter-island Advisory Trade Commission must not simply approve deals struck beforehand by only some of its members. The commission brings together public bodies, small and large retailers, trade unions and consumer representatives.

Deals should not arrive already settled

Consubal president Alfonso Rodríguez said business groups were entitled to meet, negotiate and defend their members’ interests. But the association says it is unacceptable for such agreements to shape the commission’s decisions when consumer groups had no part in the talks.

Being represented on the commission does not, in itself, amount to real involvement, Consubal argues. It says the body loses its purpose if key positions on shop-opening dates are agreed by selected sectors before they reach the full commission.

The association noted that consumers took part in negotiations over the 2025 and 2026 shop-opening calendars. It wants the Balearic Government to keep that approach.

Call for papers before the meeting

Consubal wants every member of the commission to receive proposals and supporting documents in advance. Members should then be able to put forward their own views and alternatives before any attempt is made to reach agreement.

It also says deals reached by particular sectors should be described as sector agreements, not as a consensus shared by everyone on the commission. Consubal has called for the commission to be convened to discuss the Sunday and public-holiday opening calendar and seek an agreement.

The group says it is not trying to block trade or dictate which individual Sundays or public holidays shops should open. Its demand is for active consumer participation, rather than what it calls a staged appearance of consultation.

Topics: Jobs & labour · Politics

Source: Europa Press / Mallorca.com