Greece Passes Controversial Labor Law Authorizing 13-Hour Working Days in Certain Circumstances

Government Building

Greece's legislature has approved a disputed work legislation that permits extended-length work shifts, in the face of fierce opposition and countrywide strike actions.

The administration asserted the measure will revamp Greek labor regulations, but opposition figures from the left-wing party described it as a "legislative monstrosity."

Main Provisions of the New Work Legislation

Under the newly enacted law, yearly overtime is limited at 150 hours, while the regular 40-hour workweek continues as before.

The government insists that the extended shift is voluntary, only affects the private sector, and can only be implemented for up to 37 days each year.

Political Support and Opposition

Thursday's vote was backed by lawmakers from the ruling conservative party, with the moderate faction – now the primary resistance – voting against the legislation, while the progressive party abstained.

Labor unions have organized two general strikes demanding the law's repeal this month that brought public transport and public services to a stop.

Official Justification and Worker Protections

The Labor Minister defended the legislation, claiming the changes bring in line Greek laws with modern labor-market conditions, and alleged opposition leaders of misleading the citizens.

These regulations will give workers the choice to accept extra work with the same employer for 40% higher compensation, while ensuring they cannot be fired for refusing extra hours.

This complies with European Union labor regulations, which cap the average week to 48 hours counting extra hours but permit adjustments over 12 months, as stated by the administration.

Critical Viewpoints and Labor Responses

But, critics have charged the government of weakening employee protections and "driving the country back to a medieval work era." They argue Greek workers already put in more time than the majority of EU citizens while receiving lower pay and still "struggle to make ends meet."

The public-sector union stated flexible working hours in practice mean "the end of the standard workday, the destruction of family and social life and the authorization of over-exploitation."

Previous Workplace Changes and Financial Background

Last year, the country introduced a six-day work schedule for certain sectors in a attempt to boost economic growth.

New laws, which started at the start of the summer, permit employees to work up to 48 hours in a week as instead of 40.

EU Labor Data and National Economic Indicators

• Throughout the European Union in 2024, the highest working weeks were observed in the Hellenic Republic, followed by Bulgaria (39.0), Poland and Romania (38.8).
• The lowest working week in the bloc is in the Netherlands (32.1), as per Eurostat.
• Starting this year, Greece's national minimum wage stood at €968 a month, ranking it in the bottom group among European nations.
• Joblessness, which had peaked at 28% during the economic downturn, was eight point one percent in the summer versus an European mean of 5.9%, figures from the statistical office show.
• Greece is recovering since its prolonged financial troubles, which ended in 2018, but salaries and living standards remain among the poorest in the EU.