Greece approves law allowing 13-hour working day

The Greek Parliament has approved a new labor reform law allowing for a 13-hour working day and up to 37 extended shifts per year. The decision has sparked nationwide protests and public backlash.

The law, adopted on October 16, 2025, stipulates that an employee may work up to 13 hours a day, provided there is written consent and the overall limits on working time are respected — averaging no more than 48 hours per week over a four-month period. Overtime will be compensated with a 40% pay increase. Employers may assign no more than 37 such shifts annually.

According to Labor Minister Niki Kerameus, the reform aims to “create a more flexible labor market” and protect workers who are currently forced to hold multiple jobs. The government insists that the law does not abolish the eight-hour workday but instead introduces a voluntary alternative by mutual agreement between employer and employee.

Trade unions, including the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), strongly condemned the initiative, calling it a “return to labor medievalism.” They argue that the law will lead to increased exploitation, worse working conditions, and undermine the right to personal time and rest.

Before and after the vote, massive strikes took place in Athens and other major cities. On October 14, thousands of workers from the transport sector, municipal services, and state enterprises took to the streets to protest the reform. The strikes temporarily paralyzed rail, bus, and maritime transport.

Experts note that Greece is already among the EU countries with the longest average working hours — about 40 hours per week. The new regulation, they say, could result in excessive overtime, burnout, and additional pressure on occupational safety systems.

The law will take effect in the coming months and will apply exclusively to the private sector. Authorities claim they will ensure the measure remains strictly voluntary and not enforced under employer pressure.