🔗 Share this article

A massive national walkout has plunged the country to a halt, with labor groups escalating their protests against controversial labor laws that would introduce a 13-hour workday in a nation currently logging some of the lengthiest hours across Europe.

Widespread Disruption Across the Nation

The 24-hour strike triggered significant chaos to services throughout the country on midweek, as thousands of employees from both public and private sectors downed tools and took to the streets.

In both Athens and Thessaloniki, public transit were shut down, while medical workers, educators, and additional government employees participated in the industrial action. The seas around the Greek capital were empty as ferry crews heeded strike directives and remained in vessels in harbors.

Greeks are currently compelled to survive on among the lowest wages in Europe and now they’re expecting us to practically work most of the day.

Growing Resistance to Proposed Workplace Reforms

The business-friendly government of the Premier the current leader has faced rising resistance over the planned changes, with employees arguing they not only violate their rights but also eliminate any prospects for work-life balance.

This extended day proposal is expected to be passed into law soon. The adjustment would allow workers to clock in for 13 hours, effectively lengthening their time at the job by as much as five hours.

Financial Upturn Despite Minimal Pay

Although the Mediterranean country has bounced back from a lengthy financial crisis that saw the GDP shrink by more than a quarter, and endured severe budget cuts enforced in return for bailout aid, salaries continue to be well behind other European Union member states at a time when the cost of living has increased sharply.

With 880 euros a month, the minimum wage – even though raised by the current centre-right government – is one of the lowest on the European continent.

Criticism and Concerns Over Longer Hours

Opponents have expressed concern that longer working hours could lead to exhaustion and on-the-job injuries. A major union, linked to the Communist party, compared the proposed law to “contemporary servitude”.

Labor market specialists have questioned the logic of extending working hours when research shows such policies are harmful to productivity and the quality of services and goods.

Based on EU statistical body Eurostat, workers in Greece labor on typically nearly 40 hours a week, compared with the EU mean of 35.8 hours.

Previous Controversy Over Six-Day Work Week

Previously, the administration sparked a similar outcry by enacting a six-day working week, a voluntary scheme applied to private businesses in the tourist sector and other industries providing 24/7 operations. Unions deplored the policy as “inhumane”.

Government Justification of the Measure

Since taking power in July 2019, the Prime Minister has said he wants to make the job market flexible by curtailing the power of labor organizations, including group bargaining.

The labour minister, the official, says the latest law has been designed to improve that flexibility, claiming the 13-hour rule will only be used in “exceptional” circumstances.

Defending the proposal, the leader argued it would give youth, who frequently work multiple jobs to get by, the opportunity to put in more hours for a single employer.

While the other European nations discusses a shorter workweek, in this country, in the 21st century, it’s focused on longer hours and salaries that don’t reflect the cost of living.

Citizen Reaction and Future Concerns

Katerina Andritsopoulou, 55 years old, an employee in a private manufacturing company, stated she felt compelled to participate in Wednesday’s protests out of fear that many would succumb to workplace exploitation as a result of the change.

“It’s awful that so many of us are forced to depend on state aid to pay for our heating and other costs,” she added. “We’re not here pleading or asking for favors. We’re here because there are a lot of at-risk individuals out there who won’t be able to negotiate with companies after regulations like this are enacted.”