Greece’s Labor Policies: A Controversial Shift Towards Longer Work Hours
Economic recovery has become a prominent focus under the conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In an attempt to tackle Greece’s persistently low productivity levels, the government’s strategy appears rather straightforward: increase working days. This approach, however, has sparked considerable debate and dissent as proposals to extend the daily work hours continue to emerge.
Initially, the extension of the working week to six days was deemed sufficient, but the current administration is now exploring options to push the daily working hours to 13 hours . This has raised alarm among labor unions and worker associations, prompting them to organize protests and strikes in response to what they perceive as an unjust burden on workers.
Current Work Conditions in Greece
In 2024, Greece enacted new labor regulations permitting a six-day work week in specific sectors that require continuous operation around the clock. This effectively increased the weekly working hours from 40 to a staggering 48 hours. The ramifications of this change generated substantial social and political unrest, particularly given the impact on the quality of life for Greek workers.
According to Eurostat’s Q2 2025 data, a staggering 20.9% of Greek workers between the ages of 20 to 64 are clocking in more than 45 hours a week—a sharp contrast to countries like Spain, with only 9.7%, and Italy at 11.4%. Furthermore, the 2023 Eurostat data indicated that Greece boasts the longest average working day in the European Union, tallying up to 39.8 hours per week, closely followed by Bulgaria and Poland. In comparison, Spain’s average rests at a mere 36.4 hours.
The Proposal for a 13-Hour Workday
The renewed debate surrounding labor conditions in Greece intensified with the government’s suggestion to extend the daily work hours to 13 in select cases. This proposed change aims to enhance flexibility and streamline bureaucratic processes. However, critics argue that such a move amounts to a significant regression, leading to higher levels of stress and fatigue for workers. Makis Kontogiorgos, a representative from a notable technology firm, expressed concern to the Guardian, stating, “You can’t push people like that; at some point, there will be an explosion.”
Despite the alarming nature of this proposal, the government stipulates that the extension can only be invoked up to 37 days per worker annually, translating to about three days per month. Additionally, participation in this scheme remains voluntary , with overtime pay set at 40% above the standard rate. Regulations also maintain other worker protections, such as mandatory rest periods of 11 hours between shifts and a maximum average of 48 hours per week over four months.
Concerns Over ‘Voluntary’ Measures
Niki Kerameos, the Minister of Labor and Social Security, asserted that the proposed measure is exceptional, allowing employees the right to refuse without fear of dismissal or negative repercussions. However, union leaders contest this notion, perceiving the voluntary aspect as a potential avenue for coercion, undermining workers’ rights.
In a pressing need for reform, various labor organizations have called for protests across major cities and announced a general strike, underscoring that “this law will not improve anything,” as articulated by Panagiotis Gakas, a member of the construction workers union.
The Minister’s claim that only 0.1% of businesses have utilized the prior six-day workweek provision does little to alleviate concerns. The lack of utilization suggests minimal motivation from employers to adopt these lengthy hours despite the legislative changes made to accommodate them.
Future Considerations and Regulatory Safeguards
In light of these labor policy shifts, the Mitsotakis government had introduced a digital labor control system to monitor working hours more accurately. This progressive approach aims to ensure compliance with labor laws and pushback against unreported overtime—a critical issue in recent years.
The implementation of this system is projected to enhance accountability, as noted by Minister Kerameos. “In 2025, 1.8 million more overtime hours were declared than in 2024, just in the first eight months,” she stated, reinforcing the necessity of safeguarding worker interests.
The debate over extended work hours reflects broader concerns about labor rights in Greece and the balance between economic growth and the wellbeing of workers. Through a combination of rigorous regulation and ongoing dialogue, the aim should be to foster an environment that empowers employees while simultaneously propelling national productivity.
As the government navigates this tumultuous landscape, the collaboration between labor unions and policymakers appears crucial. Achieving a sustainable solution will require compromises that prioritize the health and welfare of workers while enhancing Greece’s economic output.