Greece's Controversial Labor Reform: The 13-Hour Workday

Greece's parliament has recently approved a contentious labor reform allowing private sector employees to work up to 13 hours a day, a significant increase from the standard eight-hour workday. This legislation, termed the "Fair Work for All" program, permits extended shifts for a maximum of 37 days per year, primarily targeting sectors such as hospitality, manufacturing, and retail. The standard 40-hour workweek remains unchanged, and annual overtime is capped at 150 hours. Workers who agree to the extended hours will receive a 40% pay bonus for the additional hours worked.

Officially accepted! Working hours have been increased in Greece.A controversial move by the neighbor: Daily working hours increased to 13 hours.Greece prepares to introduce a 13-hour workday for the private sectorGreece becomes first EU country to introduce 13-hour working day for private sector - PoliticoWhy Greece is Introducing a 13-Hour Workday -Greece plans to introduce 13-hour workdays

The conservative government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, argues that this reform modernizes Greece's labor laws and enhances flexibility in the labor market. Labor Minister Niki Kerameus emphasized that participation in the 13-hour workday is voluntary and that no employee can be dismissed for refusing to work overtime. The government claims that this measure will help address labor shortages, particularly during peak seasons in the tourism sector.

Greece approves controversial 13-hour working day

The new law has sparked widespread protests and two general strikes across Greece, with unions and opposition parties vehemently opposing the reform. Critics, including the left-wing Syriza party and the public sector union ADEDY, argue that the legislation undermines workers' rights and effectively abolishes the eight-hour workday. They contend that many employees will feel pressured to accept longer hours due to precarious job conditions and fear of dismissal. Demonstrators have described the law as a "legislative monstrosity" and a return to "Middle Ages" labor conditions.

Greek Lawmakers OK 13-Hour OT Workday, Unions Protest

Opposition leaders and labor representatives have raised concerns about the potential for exploitation and the erosion of work-life balance. They argue that the law could lead to increased burnout and health issues among workers, as the extended hours may infringe upon their legal entitlement to rest. The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) warned that the reform could violate EU regulations regarding daily rest periods. Critics also highlight that Greeks already work some of the longest hours in Europe, averaging 39.8 hours per week, while facing stagnant wages and rising living costs.

Greece Extends Working Hours with New Law Amid Widespread Protests

While the government maintains that the new law is a necessary step towards labor market flexibility, critics assert that it institutionalizes exploitation and diminishes workers' negotiating power. The opposition has called for a reevaluation of labor rights in light of the ongoing economic recovery, which has yet to translate into improved living standards for many Greeks.

Greece Extends Working Hours with New Law Amid Widespread Protests

As the law comes into effect, its implementation will be closely monitored by labor unions and opposition parties. The ongoing public outcry and potential for further protests may influence future labor policies and the government's approach to workers' rights in Greece.

Greece Approves Law Permitting 13-Hour Workdays in Specific Cases

• “When the rest of Europe is in discussions to reduce working hours, in Greece we increase them,” — Themis Lytras, Barman

Reuters

• “Making it legal to work from morning till night is not normal and cannot be tolerated by our society. It is truly barbaric. It is inhuman,” — Stefanos Chatziliadis, ADEDY Union Member

France 24

• “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, Labor Minister

Greek Parliament Approves New Labor Law Allowing 13-Hour Workdays

• “Flexible working hours mean the end of family life and the legalisation of overexploitation,” — ADEDY Union Statement

Why Greece is Introducing a 13-Hour Workday -

• “This is a first step toward extending the working hours; in the private sector, you can’t really refuse, they always find ways to impose what they want,” — Maria, Construction Worker

Greece to approve disputed 13-hour workday reform

The passage of this labor reform marks a significant shift in Greece's labor landscape, raising critical questions about the balance between economic flexibility and the protection of workers' rights.

Why Greece is Introducing a 13-Hour Workday -