New deal could allow banks to open all-day Saturday

Banks in Belgium could soon be allowed to open all day on Saturdays, under a new working agreement currently being negotiated with trade unions.

Under the present rules, banks can open on Saturday mornings, but no later than 13.00.

After months of discussions, banking federation Febelfin and unions have reached a provisional deal to extend the allowed working time to include Saturday afternoon - but the collective labour agreement has yet to be signed.

If approved, staff could volunteer to work on a Saturday but could not be compelled to do so, L'Echo and De Tijd newspapers report.

Photo: Hatim Kaghat/Belga