On April 25, 2026, The Brussels Times, a leading Belgian news outlet, published a report detailing how the ALDI supermarket chain proposed expanding Sunday store openings, requiring employees to work on that day. ALDI’s proposed Sunday expansion has sparked nationwide labor strikes across 60 stores, leading to widespread shutdowns as workers strongly resisted efforts to make Sunday a regular workday.
The Brussels Times reported the following:
• “At least 60 Aldi supermarkets have shut their doors on Friday due to spontaneous staff protests against the management’s plan to open stores on Sundays, according to the Christian trade union CNE.” [1]
• “Union officials are supporting the protest and assisting staff. ‘We stand by the workers,’ said Évelyne Zabus, permanent secretary of the CNE.” [1]
• “The union has expressed disappointment with management’s approach, claiming the Sunday opening plan was introduced during discussions intended to focus on employee demands, such as salary improvements.” [1]
Employees opposed the move to open stores on Sundays and responded with strikes, effectively shutting down numerous locations as workers walked off the job. They view Sunday openings as a serious challenge to long-standing tradition that regards Sunday as a protected day of rest.
Labor unions are also a powerful force in resisting efforts to relax Sunday labor restrictions, arguing that Sunday is a unique day worthy of legal protection as a designated day for workers. In Belgium, unions are at the forefront of opposing expanded Sunday openings, fighting to keep it from being just another commercial workday.
This struggle demonstrates that across Europe and in many parts of the world, Sunday remains a deeply contested issue at the center of growing social and economic controversy—one that many continue to defend as essential for rest, family, and worship. It is more than just a labor dispute. This conflict reveals the ongoing efforts to preserve Sunday’s distinct role within society, as advocates argue that maintaining this day as work-free is essential for everyone.
Sources
[1] https://www.brusselstimes.com/2097311/forty-aldi-stores-closed-amid-possible-sunday-opening
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