Athens, January 10, 2025: Greece has become the first European Union country to introduce a six-day workweek, a move aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing labor shortages. The regulation applies to businesses operating 24/7, such as industrial and manufacturing sectors. Employees can voluntarily opt to work an additional day, earning a 40% increase in their daily wage. The law also allows workers to hold a second part-time job and work up to 13 hours per day, totaling 65 to 78 working hours per week. However, the food and tourism sectors are excluded from this new legislation.
Despite the government’s view that the measure is worker-friendly and growth-oriented, it has faced strong opposition from trade unions and critics, who argue that the extended workweek could lead to “barbaric” working conditions and undermine established workers’ rights. This decision contrasts with trends in other countries that are exploring shorter workweeks to improve employee well-being and productivity. Greece’s move to extend the workweek underscores the country’s ongoing economic challenges and evolving labor market dynamics.
