VIENNA: Austria’s long-standing ban on most Sunday shopping has once again become the center of political debate, with parties sharply divided over whether relaxing the rules would boost the economy or undermine workers’ rights and family life. The liberal NEOS party is leading calls to ease the country’s strict trading laws by allowing owner-operated shops to open on Sundays, provided no employees are required to work, according to ORF News. The party also wants uniform nationwide rules to make better use of the existing legal exceptions that already permit some businesses to trade on Sundays. Speaking in Vienna, NEOS economic spokesperson Markus Hofer said Austria has one of Europe’s most restrictive Sunday trading systems. She said surveys show that 97 percent of retail workers oppose regular Sunday shifts, arguing that policymakers should respect the clear wishes of those who would be most affected by any change.