Thousands of Greek workers staged a 24-hour general strike to protest the conservative government’s proposal of a 13-hour workday, causing significant disruptions across the country. The strike led to transportation interruptions in Athens and Thessaloniki, affecting trains and ferry services, with teachers, hospital staff, and civil servants joining the protest.
In both Athens and Thessaloniki, over 8,000 individuals participated in demonstrations against the reforms put forth by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s government. Various other major cities also witnessed protests. Notis Skouras, a member of the hairdressers’ union, criticized the potential law, expressing concerns about the invasion of workers’ private lives to benefit employers.
The main private sector union GSEE, in collaboration with public sector union ADEDY, denounced the reform, stating it jeopardizes worker health and safety while disrupting the work-life balance. PAME, a pro-communist union, accused the government of attempting to enforce “modern slavery” by subjecting workers to long hours and inadequate pay.
Panagiotis Gakas, a construction workers’ union member, emphasized the risks associated with extended working hours, citing a high number of fatal accidents occurring during overtime shifts. The proposed bill, allowing employees to work 13 hours a day for a single employer under exceptional circumstances for extra compensation, has sparked concerns among workers.
Despite improvements in Greece’s economy post-debt crisis, concerns persist over low wages and the high cost of living. Mitsotakis defended the bill, highlighting the freedom of choice it offers to both employers and employees, stating that many young individuals hold multiple jobs and desire increased work hours for higher earnings. Labour Minister Niki Kerameus assured that the measure is exceptional and not intended for widespread application.
While unemployment rates have decreased and the economy has shown growth, low wages remain a pressing issue for Greek workers. The minimum wage, currently at 880 euros ($1,031) per month, continues to be a point of contention. Violetta Galanopoulou, a teacher, expressed worries about the potential negative impacts of the reform on workers’ well-being.
The discussion of the draft law by the parliament is pending scheduling. Greeks, on average, work longer hours than the EU average, with workers in the tourist sector often facing extended shifts during peak seasons. Greece already allows a six-day working week in certain sectors, such as tourism, during periods of high demand.