Shops will be able to open on Good Friday in Moselle, a sacrilege for some!

It is a slap in the face of local law that does not pass. At the beginning of last week, the prefect of Moselle published a decree authorizing the opening of businesses this Friday, April 3. A day like no other, it is Good Friday, which is usually a public holiday in Moselle and Alsace, under local law. This possibility of opening businesses this Friday is a decision not seen since 1990.

A previous standoff for the winter sales

“There was just one exception in 2021, after the health crisis. But, at the time, this was understandable and we said nothing because we had to revive the economy” explains Alexandre Tott, general secretary of the Force Ouvrière union in Moselle. “This is an authoritarian decision on his part, without any consultation, knowing that the demand is far from being generalized. Traders are faced with a fait accompli. »

The union, angered by this text emanating from the prefect and also supported by the CFDT, CFTC and CFE-CFC, initiated an appeal before the administrative court to have the text suspended and annulled. Last January, the organization had already attacked – and won – in court a decree from the same prefect authorizing Sunday opening during the winter sales.

“This prefect definitely has a very liberal vision of local law, but in January, we still won our case,” explains Alexandre Tott. Is this regional particularism in trouble? “We will be much more vigilant in the future. We are here to protect employees who have the right to this public holiday. » Force Ouvrière 57 thus criticizes a “factor of disorganization for the schedules of traders, for family life, because this decree was taken only ten days before. It’s way too short to turn around. »

The diocese gets involved

The diocese of Metz also made its disapproval known, not for salary considerations, but to defend the very principle of local law. In a press release, he said he shared “the emotion of many Messins and Mosellans, including traders. This decree deviates from what has been considered, for many years, as a practice deeply rooted in our local history. Mgr Philippe Ballot strongly hopes that this decree does not create a precedent” concludes the diocese, which contacted the prefect to express its “surprise”.

Stores will therefore have the right to open, provided that employees are willing, but will they do it? “I see that the prefect obviously supports trade. This decision surprised everyone, and I understand that we cannot do anything with local law. But the deadline is far too short to organize. They will not have time to set up special operations to attract customers. Opening is good, but enlivening the streets is better,” says Éric Rogovitz, co-president of Vitrines de Metz, who pleads for more anticipated dialogue in the future. “To date, everyone is a little lost and this harms the initial message of support for trade” concludes the traders’ representative.