On Thursday, October 16, Greece approved a controversial labor reform that allows the extension of the workday to up to 13 hours under certain conditions.
The proposal, defended by the conservative government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, was approved by a simple majority and provoked strong reactions from unions and opposition parties.
The measure comes amid rising living costs and pressure on Greek workers, who already face one of the lowest average wages in the European Union. For critics, the new law represents a setback in labor rights achieved after the economic crisis that devastated the country between 2009 and 2018.
What Changes With the New Law
The reform authorizes employers to request up to 13 hours of work per day, compared to the current eight, for a maximum of 37 days per year. According to the government, the goal is to increase labor market flexibility and allow companies to respond to production peaks without resorting to temporary hires.
The text also introduces the possibility of a four-day workweek, provided there is a prior agreement between employee and employer. The government argues that such flexibility meets the needs of sectors like tourism, technology, and services, which experience seasonal workloads.
The legislation also includes provisions protecting workers from dismissal if they refuse to work overtime, although unions claim that, in practice, many Greeks fear retaliation.
Reactions and Protests
Greek trade unions called the approval “a step back by half a century” and organized two national strikes in recent weeks in protest. They argue that the reform weakens collective bargaining power and legalizes overwork in a country where informal employment remains widespread.
The main opposition party, Syriza, criticized the decision, saying that the government “chose the wrong side of history.” The opposition argues that while other European nations discuss reducing working hours, Greece is moving in the opposite direction, risking productivity and workers’ well-being.
Economic Context
After years of austerity and structural reforms imposed by the European Union, Greece shows signs of recovery: unemployment has fallen to its lowest level in more than a decade, and GDP is growing steadily. However, average wages remain low, and the cost of living continues to rise, especially in major cities such as Athens and Thessaloniki.
Analysts note that the new law reflects the government’s attempt to attract foreign investment and modernize labor legislation but warn that it may deepen inequalities and increase social tensions.
A European Debate on Working Time
The Greek decision comes at a time when several European countries are experimenting with reduced working hours without loss of productivity. Spain, Belgium, and Iceland have already tested four-day workweeks, reporting positive results in mental health and performance.
In this context, Greece’s choice to expand working hours is seen as moving against the tide. For many economists, the challenge will be to balance competitiveness and quality of life without reigniting the social tensions that marked the past decade.
