Greece’s parliament has passed a controversial law permitting private sector employers to extend working hours to 13 per day, despite significant nationwide protests and strong opposition from labor unions. The government asserts the legislation aims to modernize the labor market and enhance flexibility, while critics argue it erodes fundamental workers’ rights and exacerbates the cost-of-living crisis.
Key Takeaways
- New law allows for up to 13-hour workdays in the private sector.
- Legislation passed despite two general strikes and widespread public outcry.
- Government claims increased flexibility; unions decry it as exploitation.
- Greece already has one of the longest average working weeks in the EU.
- Economic recovery has not translated into significantly improved living standards for many Greeks.
The "Fair Work for All" Legislation
The "Fair Work for All" bill, championed by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ conservative government, permits employers to extend the workday from the current eight hours to a maximum of 13. This change is intended to create a more flexible and effective labor market. The government emphasizes that the extended workday is optional, applies only to the private sector, and can be implemented for a maximum of 37 days per year. Additionally, annual overtime is capped at 150 hours, and employees cannot be dismissed for refusing to work overtime. The government also states that this aligns with EU working-time rules, which allow for flexibility over a 12-month period.
Protests and Union Condemnation
The proposed legislation has ignited fierce opposition, leading to two nationwide general strikes this month that disrupted public transport and services. Unions, including the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY) and the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), have vehemently denounced the bill. ADEDY described it as the "final phase of deregulation of labour relations" leading to "burnout," while GSEE called it a "tool of profitability at the expense of human dignity." Opposition parties have labeled the bill a "legislative monstrosity" and accused the government of pushing the country backward.
Greece’s Working Hours in European Context
Data indicates that Greek employees already work some of the longest hours in the European Union. According to Eurostat, the average Greek workweek is around 40 hours, compared to 34 in Germany and 32 in the Netherlands. A 2024 Eurostat survey revealed that Greece had the highest proportion of workers (12.4%) in the EU working long hours, defined as 49 hours or more per week. Despite Greece’s economic recovery from its decade-long debt crisis, wages and purchasing power remain among the lowest in the EU, leaving many citizens struggling with the rising cost of living.
Political Divide
The parliamentary vote saw the ruling New Democracy party backing the bill, while the center-left Pasok party voted against it, and the left-wing Syriza party abstained. Labor Minister Niki Kerameus defended the reforms, stating they align with modern labor market realities and accused opposition leaders of misleading the public. However, critics argue that in a country with a history of undeclared work and limited workplace inspections, the "voluntary" nature of overtime is questionable, potentially eroding workers’ negotiating power and work-life balance.
Sources
- Greece’s parliament approves bill extending working hours despite nationwide protests, Euronews.com.
- Greece passes labour law allowing 13-hour workdays in some cases, BBC.
- In EU first, Greece set to introduce 13-hour workday – POLITICO, POLITICO.eu.
- Greece adopts law extending working hours despite protests, Reuters.
- Greece pushes through 13-hour workday law despite public outcry, TRT World.
