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Greece plans to become the first EU country to introduce a 13-hour workday.
Greece intends to become the first country in the European Union to introduce a flexible 13-hour workday. The draft law is expected to be presented in September. Currently, as in Germany, the eight-hour day is standard in Greece, but last year the option of a six-day workweek was introduced.
Greek Labor Minister Niki Kerameus is promoting the model. She emphasizes that it would be an option, not an obligation. Employees would have to agree to it. One goal is to ensure that workers no longer need a second job. For many Greeks, their regular salary is not enough to cover living costs due to the aftermath of the financial crisis of the 2010s. In addition, around 80,000 positions in Greece’s tourism sector remain unfilled. There is a particular shortage of cooks, waiters, reception staff, cleaners, lifeguards, and night porters. Many employees left the industry during or after the COVID-19 crisis, citing poor working conditions, better alternatives, or a desire for regular working hours.
Minister Kerameus also stated that workers’ rights would be strengthened and undeclared work reduced.
The bill stipulates that employees may work up to 13 hours per day on no more than 37 days per year. The 40-hour workweek remains the rule. Overtime is to be compensated better, with a 40 percent bonus.
Trade unions have voiced criticism. Union representative Christos Goulas doubts the productivity of 13-hour days, especially for office jobs. He criticizes the government for not including unions in the process and fears further flexibilization of working hours. Goulas argues that in times of artificial intelligence and digitalization, the focus should be on improving work quality rather than returning to traditional long working hours.
Despite the criticism, the bill is likely to pass since the government holds a majority in parliament.
According to OECD data, Greece ranked fifth worldwide in terms of annual working hours in 2023. On average, each employee worked 1,893 hours per year. Only Colombia, Mexico, Costa Rica, and Chile had higher numbers. Germany ranked last with 1,335 hours.
