Greece introduces SIX-DAY workweek in response to ‘ticking time bomb’ of shrinking population and skilled labour shortage – but unions call move ‘barbaric’
- Officials in Athens are adamant that Greeks must work harder and longer
Greece has introduced a six-day workweek to combat falling productivity as skilled workers leave the country, in a move that unions have called “barbaric.”
While many European countries are considering a four-day workweek, citing trials showing consistent productivity and a reduction in sick days and burnout among workers, officials in Athens are adamant that Greek citizens will have to work even harder and longer.
Greece’s 2009 debt crisis sent the economy into a deep recession and unemployment soared as many companies went bankrupt.
The economy has since recovered, but Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is sounding the alarm about a major demographic shift, which has seen around half a million skilled Greek workers look for work elsewhere since the crisis.
Greece already has the longest five-day working week in Europe, with an average of 41 hours per week.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is sounding the alarm over a major demographic shift that has seen some half a million skilled Greek workers seek opportunities elsewhere.
Critics have slammed the new measure as damaging to workers’ rights, claiming that profit-hungry companies can now demand that their employees work six days a week without facing any consequences (pictured from the 2021 workers’ protests in Athens).
The government hopes the introduction of a six-day working week will stimulate further growth and increase productivity as the population shrinks and there is a shortage of skilled workers.
But Akis Sotiropoulos, a member of the executive committee of the civil servants’ union Adedy, told the Guardian: ‘It doesn’t make any sense at all.
‘While almost all other civilized countries are introducing a four-day workweek, Greece decides to do the opposite.’
The six-day rule does not apply to all Greek workers.
Under the new labor laws, the six-day rule will be limited to private companies that provide 24-hour services.
During this extended workweek, employees in certain industries and manufacturing sectors can choose to work an extra two hours per day or work an extra eight-hour shift.
They will also receive a 40% bonus on their daily wage. According to the conservative government of Mitsotakis, this measure is a solution to the problem of unpaid overtime and a fight against the widespread problem of undeclared work.
“The core of this legislation is employee-friendly and strongly focused on growth,” Mitsotakis stressed when the Greek parliament passed the law a few months ago.
Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis attends a cabinet meeting at the Maximos Palace in Athens, Greece, June 15, 2024
Critics argue the measure will give employers an excuse not to hire much-needed additional staff, leaving more young people without jobs (Pictured: A general view of the Acropolis of Athens, Greece)
Critics have since criticized the new measure as being detrimental to workers’ rights, claiming that profit-hungry companies can now demand that their employees work six days a week without suffering any consequences.
They also claim that this measure will save employers from having to hire additional staff, which is very much needed. Moreover, it would leave more young people without work.
“In reality, this has been adopted by a government that ideologically wants to generate ever greater profits for capital,” said Sotiropoulos, a member of the trade union committee.
‘Better productivity goes hand in hand with better working conditions and a better quality of life for employees.
“We now know that this means fewer hours, not more.”