Greece Legalizes 13-Hour Workdays: A Step Back for Workers’ Rights? – Breaking News
Athens – In a move that has ignited fierce debate and sparked widespread protests, the Greek Parliament has approved a bill permitting employees to work up to 13 hours per day. The legislation, championed by the conservative government, allows for extended workdays with increased remuneration, but has been vehemently condemned by unions and opposition parties as a dangerous rollback of worker protections. This is a developing story, and archyde.com is providing up-to-the-minute coverage.
What Does the New Law Entail?
The newly ratified law enables employees, on a voluntary basis, to work up to 13 hours a day for a single employer, up to a maximum of 37 days per year – roughly three days per month. Employees working these extended hours will receive a 40% pay increase. Labor Minister Niki Kerameus insists the change responds to demand from workers, particularly in the tourism sector, and will not be enforced. Previously, the possibility of working extended hours existed, but only with multiple employers, often leading to logistical challenges and potential exploitation.
A Nation Divided: Protests and Political Fallout
The passage of the bill followed two days of intense parliamentary debate and was preceded by two nationwide general strikes on October 1st and Tuesday, partially paralyzing the country. Opposition party Syriza, led by Sokratis Famellos, labeled the legislation a “legislative monstrosity” and a “deregulation of work” that fundamentally attacks workers’ rights. Syriza ultimately refused to participate in the vote. The center-left Pasok party echoed these concerns, framing the law as part of a “methodical dismantling of workers’ rights” under Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ leadership.
The Government’s Defense: Economic Growth and Worker Choice
Prime Minister Mitsotakis’ New Democracy party defends the law by pointing to the significant decline in unemployment during its tenure – falling from 18% to 8% in six years. Minister Kerameus emphasized that the extended hours are optional and designed to accommodate workers who *want* to earn more. She specifically cited the tourism industry, where long hours are already common during peak season, as a sector where this flexibility could be beneficial. The government argues it’s simply formalizing a practice that already existed in a less regulated manner.
Long Hours: A Pre-Existing Problem in Greece
This debate isn’t happening in a vacuum. According to Eurostat data from the second quarter of 2025, 20.9% of Greek employees aged 20-64 already work more than 45 hours per week, significantly higher than the EU average of 10.8%. The government has also previously introduced the possibility of a six-day workweek in certain sectors. This context highlights a pre-existing culture of long working hours in Greece, raising concerns that the new law will exacerbate the problem rather than address it.
Concerns Over Enforcement and Worker Vulnerability
Unions, like the Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), are deeply skeptical of the “voluntary” nature of the extended hours. They argue that the power imbalance between employers and employees, coupled with widespread job insecurity, will effectively coerce workers into accepting longer shifts. Concerns also center on the potential violation of the right to 11 hours of daily rest, particularly considering commute times. Critics also point to the historically weak enforcement of labor laws by the Labor Inspectorate as a major obstacle to protecting workers’ rights.
The Broader Trend: Deregulation and Labor Market Reform
This legislation is viewed by many as the latest step in a broader trend of labor market deregulation initiated by the Mitsotakis government since 2019. While proponents argue these reforms are necessary to stimulate economic growth and attract investment, critics contend they come at the expense of worker protections and contribute to a race to the bottom. Understanding this broader context is crucial to grasping the significance of this breaking news.
The debate over Greece’s new work law underscores a global tension: balancing economic competitiveness with the fundamental rights and well-being of workers. As Greece navigates its economic recovery, the long-term consequences of this decision – and its impact on the lives of ordinary Greeks – will be closely watched. Stay tuned to archyde.com for continuing coverage and analysis of this important story.
