The Other Side of New Year’s Day: Working in Belgium While Others Celebrate

2024-01-01 13:19:00

While some continue the festivities, others work on January 1st. Who are they ? Is it a choice or an obligation? We went to meet them this morning in Brussels.

Hamza is a baker and for him, no rest today. He put on his apron at 6:30 this morning. “We try to please customers, we think of those who go to breakfast in the morning“, explains Hamza. “Since I’m not celebrating the New Year, I’m coming to work“, yet it is not a day like any other for him: “On Mondays, we are normally closed“.

Customers follow one another in the bakery. Having just arrived, one of them states that he “not many bakeries are open“. He then specifies: “I counted two on my journey“.

No toasts on the displays today. On January 1, the baker is focusing on the most popular products. “We reduced production a little and made pastries too. So as not to make too much bread and keep losses to a minimum“, says Hamza.

“It’s a godsend”

In a supermarket in Woluwe-Saint-Lambert, Walid, the manager, also wants to meet the needs of his customers. “It’s a personal choice. I suggested to the owner, who automatically follows this, because I think that there are not many stores that are open on January 1st and I think that it pleases the neighborhood when they have a store that is open“, specifies Walid.

In this store, breads are also in great demand, but not only that. “It’s always practical, it helps with little last minute things.“, expresses a first customer. A second indicates that “It’s just a godsend, it’s a lot of luck“. Indeed, she adds: “I wasn’t expecting it at all and since I forgot to give a friend a gift today, January 1st, I’m delighted because I found a good bottle“.

Better pay on New Year’s Day

Working on a public holiday also means being paid better. Behind the cash register, a student who knows this very well: “Since the start of the holidays, I have been working. For me, it’s a day like any other“Is it financially more interesting?”Of course, for everyone“.

Maybe it’s not such a bad way to start the year following all.

work party new year company belgium
1704156306
#chance #digest #Years #Eve #meeting #work #January #1st