Greece Strikes Erupt Over Proposed 13-Hour Workday Law

Athens: Greece was brought to a standstill as thousands of workers took to the streets in the country’s second general strike this month, protesting a proposed law that could allow an optional 13-hour workday in the private sector.

Public transport in Athens and Thessaloniki operated on reduced schedules, while ferries and trains were largely paralyzed. Despite the disruption on land and sea, flights remained unaffected. Demonstrations also spread across other major cities, signaling widespread discontent.

Many workers fear the law could erode labor rights and effectively pressure employees into longer hours. “Thirteen hours of work means I have no life. What is happening in Greece is dystopian,” said Kostas Vasileiadis, a telecom engineer in Thessaloniki. Retail workers echoed the sentiment, describing the proposed change as a step back toward “modern slavery.”

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The government maintains that the measure is optional and will only affect the private sector. Labour Minister Niki Kerameus explained that the law could be applied for up to 37 days per year, roughly three days a month, and requires employee consent. The legislation also includes provisions for working mothers and offers the possibility of negotiating a four-day workweek.

Greece’s legal workday currently stands at eight hours, with paid overtime permitted, and a six-day workweek has already been legalized in high-demand sectors such as tourism. Critics, however, argue that economic pressures could make refusal of extended hours difficult, leading to potential layoffs and labor exploitation.

The strike highlights the tension between government-backed business flexibility and workers’ calls for protecting their rights, marking a pivotal moment in Greece’s labor landscape.