Greece`s parliament has officially approved a new labor law, «Fair Work for All,» which permits an extended workday of up to 13 hours in specific sectors. These include manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and hospitality. This expanded schedule is limited to a maximum of 37 days per year, roughly three days per month, and is strictly voluntary for employees.
The standard workweek remains 40 hours, and employees working beyond this will receive a 40% premium for overtime. The Greek government insists that participation in the 13-hour workday scheme is entirely voluntary, and no employee can be dismissed for refusing it.
Eleni Giannoulatou, co-owner of the «Porto Mykonos» restaurant, shared insights into the new legislation:
— I have two friends in Greece who are employers, and they support this measure. There`s a woman I know who works 13 hours or even more across two jobs. Previously, the law allowed 13-hour days if split between two employers. This new law means you don`t need to switch jobs; you can work 13 hours for a single employer. For her, it`s somewhat beneficial; she can earn more now. This is particularly relevant for tourism, where people might work non-stop from morning till night for half a year and then rest for the other half, but the employer pays them for the entire year because many jobs are seasonal.
— What were citizens` main criticisms of this bill?
— Employees always understand that a right to work 13 hours for 37 days a year is just the beginning. They fear these 37 days will eventually become 50, and at some point, it will become the new norm.
The introduction of the new law was met with widespread opposition. In early October, two nationwide strikes were held across Greece to protest the measure. This follows previous unrest in 2024 when the Greek government`s decision to allow a six-day workweek also triggered protests.
