Greece introduces six-day workweek, prompting employee discontent
The Greek government has introduced a six-day working week in specific industrial sectors. These changes will apply to businesses that operate continuously around the clock. The incentive for workers is expected to be increased wages.
Across the world, there is growing discussion about reducing work time, with some companies opting for a four-day workweek. Poles frequently express a desire to work less. However, Greek citizens do not have this luxury. In the autumn of 2023, the Greek government passed a law introducing a six-day workweek for companies and industries that operate continuously around the clock.
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Greek citizens to become the most hard-working in Europe?
Research shows that Greeks work an average of 41 hours per week, making them the hardest-working nation in Europe. However, due to new regulations, Greeks will now work an average of 48 hours per week.
The six-day workweek will apply to industries and companies that operate continuously around the clock, such as those with a continuous production line. The Capital.gr portal explains: "This measure was adopted to meet emergency staffing needs in sectors during periods of intensified production."
Companies that do not have continuous production but could benefit from uninterrupted work can also take advantage of the new law. This includes companies in the industrial and manufacturing sectors, those involved in producing and selling local products, and those operating in the tourism sector.
Six-day workweek not for everyone
Greek City Times reports that government employees, including administration, teachers, lecturers, and bank employees, are excluded from the six-day workweek. The reasoning is that "they do not belong to the category of businesses operating continuously."
The employer will decide whether to introduce the six-day workweek in a given company. The law requires that employees be notified of the change no later than 24 hours before their next working day. The government is encouraging employees with increased pay: those who work a Saturday shift will receive an additional 40% of their daily wage, and if the sixth working day falls on a holiday, the supplement will be 75%.
The extended working hours will be subject to oversight by the Labour Inspectorate, which will verify whether the six-day working week is justified for a particular company.
Source: Capital.Gr, Greek City Times
