The six CPC-affiliated business guilds ruled out eliminating existing non-waivable holidays after meeting with Minister Daniel Mas. The clarification follows a debate started by Cardinal Fernando Chomali calling for shops to close on Good Friday. They hope no more will be added to the current five.
The debate on non-waivable holidays began on Tuesday with Cardinal Fernando Chomali proposing to close commerce on Good Friday, stating that “quienes van a trabajar son los más pobres” (those who work are the poorest). CPC president Susana Jiménez responded that day hoping for no “más feriados irrenunciables” (more non-waivable holidays). On Wednesday, after meeting with biminister Daniel Mas of Economy, Fomento and Tourism, and Mining on how to resume growth, Jiménez clarified: “Lo que nosotros esperaríamos es que no aumentara ese número de irrenunciables” (we hope that number does not increase) beyond the five current ones: Fiestas Patrias (September 18 and 19), May 1, Christmas, and New Year. “We respect those who value the importance of Good Friday in their religious convictions. But it is a holiday with freedom of action”, said Jiménez, adding that voting rights are compatible with open shops and should be discussed with employees and unions. Presidential General Secretary Minister José García Ruminot ruled out elimination, though he justified holidays for general elections. The meeting included presidents of Sonami (Jorge Riesco), CChC (Alfredo Echavarría), CNC (José Pakomio), SNA (Antonio Walker), Sofofa (Rosario Navarro), and Abif (José Manuel Mena). CNC's Pakomio stated: “Nunca ha tenido en su agenda la eliminación de los feriados irrenunciables establecidos por Ley” (never had eliminating legally established non-waivable holidays on its agenda), but proposed reviewing their status on election days to balance voting rights and work freedom. He estimated losses of “193 million dollars” for a closed Friday.
