Greece legalises 13-hour workdays

Greece’s parliament has passed a deeply divisive labour reform bill that permits employees to work up to 13 hours a day, sparking nationwide strikes and fierce political backlash.

The legislation, approved on Thursday with support from lawmakers of the ruling centre-right New Democracy party, introduces a voluntary extension of working hours in the private sector up to 37 days per year. The standard 40-hour workweek remains unchanged, with annual overtime capped at 150 hours.

The centre-left PASOK party, now the main opposition, voted against the bill, while the left-wing Syriza party abstained, denouncing the reforms as a step backward for workers’ rights.

Labour Minister Niki Kerameus defended the legislation, arguing that it aligns Greek labour law with European Union working-time regulations, which allow a 48-hour weekly average—including overtime—calculated over a 12-month period.

The government insists:
The extended workday is optional
It applies only in the private sector
Workers will receive 40% higher pay for extra hours
Employees cannot be dismissed for refusing additional work

Officials say the reform gives workers the chance to consolidate income under one employer instead of juggling multiple part-time jobs.

Trade unions and opposition parties warn that the law will erode long-standing labour protections.

The public sector union ADEDY condemned the reform, saying it effectively dismantles the eight-hour workday, destroys work-life balance, and promotes “legalised over-exploitation.”

Opposition lawmakers called the bill a “legislative monstrosity” that plunges Greece into a “labour middle age.” They argue that Greeks already record some of the longest working hours in Europe while earning comparatively low wages.

Economic Context

Greece has made slow progress recovering from its decade-long debt crisis, which formally ended in 2018, but key economic indicators remain below EU averages:

In 2024, Greece also allowed a six-day workweek in certain industries to stimulate growth, further fuelling debates about fair labour standards.