Greece’s New 13-Hour Workday Law: A Step Backwards

Recently, the Greek government introduced a law that permits private companies to make employees work up to 13 hours a day. This change is presented as a chance for “flexibility” and “growth,” which sounds appealing, but the reality is quite different. Many workers see this as a threat to their rights, as it undermines the standard eight-hour workday that has been a hard-won achievement.

The Reality of Long Hours

While the government claims that this law is for the benefit of workers, surveys show that a majority of them oppose it. Most workers are already overburdened, particularly in sectors like hospitality, where long hours are common, and pay is low. Rather than improving their financial situations, this change simply formalizes the existing issues of overwork and inadequate pay.

The truth is that Greece is one of the most overworked nations in Europe. Full-time employees here average about 1,900 working hours a year. For comparison, their counterparts in the UK and Germany work significantly less—1,510 and 1,330 hours, respectively. This trend of working more but earning less creates a cycle of exhaustion without adequate compensation.

Historical Context

After Greeks fought for and secured the eight-hour workday back in 1936, the current situation feels like a huge step backward. Many studies from institutions like the EU statistics office and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) indicate that not only are Greeks working longer hours, but wages have also stagnated. The 41-42 hours worked per week is the highest in the EU, yet productivity remains low.

Since 2005, Greece has loosened its working hours regulations under the guise of “flexibility.” Changes made over the years have continuously eroded the eight-hour norm. The new law that allows for 13-hour days—in theory “voluntary” for workers—essentially places employers’ needs above those of employees.

False Promises of Flexibility

The government argues that workers want longer hours, but statistics tell a different story. A survey from earlier this year showed that an overwhelming 94% of workers would rather have shorter hours with no pay cuts. Nearly 60% are outright against the idea of the 13-hour workday. For many who are already administratively put on these long shifts, the “voluntary” label feels disingenuous, as they often feel compelled to work these hours just to make ends meet.

For most Greeks, this change feels like a return to the 19th century—when workers had little rights and faced harsh working conditions. The public’s dissatisfaction has sparked numerous strikes across the nation, pushing the government to reconsider this new law.

Legal Loopholes

Most opposition parties have raised concerns about the legality of the 13-hour workday under EU laws. The EU working time directive does have rules regarding working hours, but it also has loopholes. It allows member states to let workers voluntarily exceed their daily hour limits if the average across a week is maintained. This means that while it seems like a protective measure, it actually legitimizes overwork.

A spokesperson from the European Commission confirmed that Greece’s new law aligns with EU rules. However, the directive’s intent is often lost, allowing workers to feel tortured under the guise of “flexibility”.

A Global Trend

The push to extend working hours isn’t just a Greek issue; it’s part of a broader global trend. In various sectors around the world—particularly in places like the NHS and companies like Amazon—workers are expected to stretch their time without necessarily receiving better pay or working conditions. This trend threatens the hard-won labor rights that previous generations fought so hard to achieve.

Ultimately, the 13-hour workday in Greece signals a worrying decline in labor rights. Instead of valuing workers’ time and well-being, it prioritizes productivity and profits, erasing the critical boundaries between work and personal life.

Conclusion

As we navigate through these changes, it is clear that the struggle for fair working conditions is far from over. It is more crucial than ever for workers to stand together, advocating for shorter hours and better pay so that they can enjoy a balanced work-life experience.

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Original Text – https://scroll.in/article/1088524/greeces-voluntary-13-hour-work-day-law-stretches-time-rather-than-increase-pay?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=public