Bern, Switzerland
Swiss voters this week narrowly approved a law allowing certain shops to be open on Sundays. The referendum permits stores at airports and major train stations to stay open all week. Unions had opposed the change, saying it would create pressure to allow stores in nontourist areas to be open on Sunday as well. “The Sunday day off is the oldest institution there is for protecting workers,” said Paul Rechsteiner of the Swiss Federation of Trade Unions. Church leaders were also unhappy with the outcome. Many stores have been staying open on Sundays anyway, so the law essentially validates what was already taking place.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
-
See the bright lights from these 7 big-city hotelsThe Week Recommends Immerse yourself in culture, history and nightlife
-
Scientists want to regrow human limbs. Salamanders could lead the way.Under the radar Humans may already have the genetic mechanism necessary
-
Seven wild discoveries about animals in 2025In depth Mice have Good Samaritan tendencies and gulls work in gangs
