Greece Approves Law Permitting 13-Hour Workdays in Specific Cases
Greece’s parliament has passed a contentious labour bill allowing 13-hour workdays in specific scenarios. This decision has sparked significant public outcry and led to nationwide strikes. The government argues that this legislation will modernize existing labour laws, while opposition parties have vehemently criticized it.
Details of the New Labour Law
The new legislation introduces several key changes:
- 13-hour workdays are optional and can only be implemented up to 37 days a year.
- Annual overtime for employees is limited to 150 hours.
- The standard 40-hour work week remains unchanged.
Labour Minister Niki Kerameus defended the reform as a necessary update to align Greek laws with modern labour market conditions. She also stated that employees cannot be dismissed for opting out of overtime, a provision meant to reassure workers.
Parliamentary Support and Opposition
The ruling centre-right New Democracy party supported the bill during Thursday’s vote. In contrast, the main opposition party, the centre-left Pasok, voted against it. The left-wing Syriza party abstained from the vote.
Opposition leaders have condemned the bill, labelling it a “legislative monstrosity” and warning that it endangers workers’ rights. They argue that many Greek workers already operate longer hours than their European counterparts while receiving lower wages.
Public Reaction
The implementation of the law has led to widespread protests, with unions organizing two general strikes this month. These strikes have disrupted public transport and various services across the country.
The public-sector union ADEDY criticized the legislation, stating it threatens to dismantle the eight-hour workday, negatively affecting family and social life while promoting over-exploitation. This sentiment resonates amid concerns that flexibility in working hours could lead to abuse.
Context of the Labour Market in Greece
As of 2024, Greece has the longest average working week in the European Union, recorded at 39.8 hours, compared to countries like the Netherlands, which has the shortest at 32.1 hours. In January 2025, the national minimum wage was set at €968 per month, one of the lower rates among EU nations.
Despite improvements since the financial crisis, which peaked unemployment at 28%, Greece’s current unemployment rate stands at 8.1%. This is notably higher than the EU average of 5.9%, reflecting ongoing struggles in the labour market.
The new law reflects a complex interplay between the need for labour flexibility and the protection of workers’ rights in Greece. While the government advocates for modernization, critics warn of potential regressions in working conditions.
