Greece’s parliament is expected to pass a controversial labour reform allowing employees to work up to 13 hours a day under exceptional circumstances, despite fierce opposition from unions and opposition parties.
The bill, backed by the ruling conservative New Democracy Party, is likely to pass comfortably, with the government holding 156 of the 300 seats in parliament.
The reform, according to the government, aims to offer greater flexibility in the private sector — particularly in the services and tourism industries — where demand fluctuates sharply during the busy summer months.
Government Defends “Optional” Extended Hours
Labour Minister Niki Kerameus defended the policy on Skai TV on Tuesday, insisting that the measure is strictly voluntary and limited in scope.
“It requires an employee’s consent,” Kerameus said, adding that the 13-hour workday can only be implemented up to 37 days a year and exclusively in the private sector.
The minister also revealed that she had rejected requests from certain industry groups seeking approval for even longer working hours.
Unions Decry Law as “Inhuman”
Trade unions and opposition parties have condemned the reform, calling it a major setback for workers’ rights. Two nationwide strikes have already been held this month, with the latest taking place on Tuesday.
During a protest in Thessaloniki, senior union leader Stefanos Chatziliadis of the civil service federation ADEDY denounced the measure:
“Making it legal to work from morning till night is not normal and cannot be tolerated by our society. It is truly barbaric. It is inhuman,” Chatziliadis told AFP.
Opponents argue that although the measure is technically voluntary, workers could face pressure or threats of dismissal if they refuse to comply.
Greece Already Among Europe’s Hardest-Working Nations
Under existing labour law, Greece’s standard workday is eight hours, with the possibility of paid overtime. However, the government had previously introduced a six-day workweek for specific high-demand sectors, such as tourism and construction.
According to Eurostat, Greeks already have one of the longest average workweeks in the European Union — 39.8 hours, compared to the EU average of 35.8 hours.
A construction worker identified only as Maria, 46, said that while the reform may appear voluntary on paper, real-world conditions often tell a different story:
“In the private sector, you can’t really refuse. They always find ways to impose what they want,” she said.
Growing Backlash Ahead of Vote
As parliament prepares for the final vote, thousands of workers have taken to the streets of Athens and other major cities, accusing the government of undermining labour protections achieved over decades.
Despite the public outcry, the government maintains that the reform modernises Greece’s labour framework and aligns it with “new realities” of the job market.
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