Nationwide Strikes Erupt in Greece Over Controversial 13-Hour Workday Bill

Greece is currently experiencing widespread unrest as public and private sector workers engage in a series of strikes against a proposed labor reform bill that would allow for a 13-hour workday. The legislation, backed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis's conservative government, aims to introduce flexible working hours, permitting employees to work up to 13 hours a day for a maximum of 37 days per year. While the government asserts that the bill is optional and designed to support workers in the private sector, unions argue it undermines the traditional eight-hour workday and threatens workers' rights.

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On October 14, 2025, Greece witnessed its second nationwide strike within two weeks, organized by major labor unions, including the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Federation of Public Sector Employees (ADEDY). The strike resulted in significant disruptions across public transport, schools, and hospitals, with thousands participating in protests in cities like Athens and Thessaloniki. Union leaders have condemned the bill as a move towards "legalized exploitation," asserting that it jeopardizes work-life balance and collective bargaining rights.

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Niki Kerameus, Greece's Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, defended the bill, stating that it is intended to provide flexibility for workers who wish to work longer hours. She emphasized that the 13-hour workday is not mandatory and requires employee consent. Kerameus described the term "13-hour workday" as misleading, clarifying that it would only apply to a limited number of days per year. The government argues that the reforms align Greece with modern labor trends and are essential for economic growth.

Balkan Insight

Opposition to the bill is robust, with unions and various labor federations arguing that it violates the daily rest rule of 11 hours and could lead to health and safety risks for workers. Critics assert that the bill creates an environment where employee consent may be coerced, leading to potential repercussions for those who refuse overtime. The GSEE has called for the restoration of free collective bargaining, emphasizing that the proposed changes threaten hard-won labor protections established during Greece's financial crisis.

Balkan Insight

The ongoing strikes reflect a broader tension in Greece between economic liberalization and worker protection. Despite a recovering economy and decreasing unemployment rates, many workers continue to face low wages and long hours. The proposed reforms have sparked fears that they will exacerbate existing inequalities and lead to increased exploitation in the workforce. As the government prepares to vote on the bill, labor unions have vowed to escalate their protests, indicating that social tensions may resurface in the wake of these reforms.

Nationwide Strike Grinds Greece to a Halt as Workers Protest 13-Hour Workday Plan

• “the abolition of the eight-hour workday, the dissolution of every concept of family and social life and legalization of overexploitation” — ADEDY

Balkan Insight

• “The expression 13-hour workday implies that we will all work for 13 hours a day, all year round. Is it valid? Can it be done every day? No, is the answer. It can be done up to 37 days a year, i.e. on a pro rata basis of three days a month. Therefore, the term 13 hours is wrong and misleading. Secondly, it requires the agreement of the employee,” — Niki Kerameus, Minister of Labour and Social Insurance

Balkan Insight

• “The government, instead of supporting workers’ income and strengthening public services, is legislating overwork, exhaustion, and silence in workplaces,” — ADEDY

Greek Workers Will Strike Again Over 13-Hour Workday Proposal

The labor reform bill is expected to be voted on shortly, with the Mitsotakis government likely to push it through due to its parliamentary majority. However, the escalating protests may challenge the government's political stability and raise questions about Greece's commitment to maintaining social stability amid economic reforms.

Nationwide Strike Grinds Greece to a Halt as Workers Protest 13-Hour Workday Plan