This Thursday, September 26, Commercial Employee Day is celebrated in Argentina. However, this year the anniversary was moved to Monday the 30th to create a long weekend for workers in the sector.
The date was established by Law 26,541 passed in 2009. That year, the union and the chambers of the sector agreed to move it to Monday, September 30 so that workers have a long weekend.
The holiday is mandatory for all commercial employees. According to the regulations, those workers who decide to take the day should not worry about suffering deductions from their salary, since the day is equated to a national holiday. This means that employers cannot require the presence of their employees, unless previously agreed, and if they decide to open their doors and require staff, they must pay double for that day.
Who does not work on Commercial Employee Day?
On Monday, September 30, most businesses will close their doors, including supermarkets, clothing stores, bazaars and shopping malls. Employees of these establishments have the right to enjoy the day off.
Those businesses that decide to operate may do so, but they will have to pay for the day as a holiday, as established by Law 26,541. It should be noted that, although opening is allowed, many employers choose not to call their employees due to the additional cost involved.
Commercial Employee Day. Image: NA.
This holiday is applicable to all commercial employees who work under the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CCT) 130/75, which covers workers in various areas, from administrative to sales, teachers, and service personnel.
How is the holiday paid?
Paying for work on Commercial Employee Day is a crucial issue for workers and employers. Those who decide to work that day must receive remuneration equivalent to double their usual salary for that day, in line with what Argentine labor laws stipulate for national holidays.
In any case, commercial employees do not receive bonuses or extra remuneration for this day, unlike other sectors such as banking.
This holiday comes in a complex economic context, where salary negotiations are a constant topic of concern. In June 2024, the Argentine Federation of Commerce and Services Employees (FAECYS) reached a joint agreement that adjusts salaries based on inflation. Thus, in September, the basic salary of a commercial employee was $858,200.
