Greece is facing a general strike as trade unions strongly oppose a controversial government proposal to extend the working day to 13 hours, on top of the six-day workweek introduced in 2024.
The strike, organized for Wednesday, is expected to paralyze the country, with ships remaining docked in ports, planes grounded, and trains halted across Greece.
Workers Push Back Against Labor Reform
The proposal, introduced by Labor Minister Niki Kerameos, would allow employees to work up to 13 hours a day for a limited 37 days per year. The minister claims the change is “in the interest of employees”, describing it as a flexible, voluntary option.
However, unions reject the plan, calling it an attack on workers’ rights.
“Exhaustion is not development – human capacity has limits,” stated the Greek trade union confederation GSEE, announcing that its protest in Athens will highlight the dangers of overwork.
Concerns Over Productivity and Family Life
Labor experts warn that extending daily working hours could reduce productivity, harm family life, and worsen working conditions. According to Professor Theodoros Koutroukis of Democritus University, employees often cannot refuse overtime without consequences, as their bargaining power is limited.
Unions are instead demanding a reduction of the workweek to 37.5 hours, similar to standards already adopted in several EU countries.
Greece Working More, Earning Less
Currently, Greeks already work among the longest hours in Europe – with 1,886 hours annually per worker, according to Eurostat. Despite this, productivity and purchasing power remain among the lowest in the EU, with wages around 30% below the European average.
Many employees already take on second jobs due to low wages. Critics fear the new law will simply legalize existing abuses by forcing workers into longer shifts instead of addressing wage issues.
Uncertain Outcome
Whether the strike will succeed in stopping the reform remains unclear. Yet one thing is certain: while many EU nations are moving toward shorter workweeks of 35 hours or even four-day models, Greece appears to be heading in the opposite direction.
