Newsflash from Sunday, 19 October 2025: Greece’s Parliament has approved a new labor law permitting 13-hour workdays in limited cases. Learn what the law entails, why it’s controversial, and how it affects Greek workers.
Greece Approves “Fair Work for All” Law Amid Fierce Debate
In a narrow and hotly contested vote, the Greek Parliament has approved a new labor law allowing employees in certain sectors to work up to 13 hours per day on a limited number of occasions each year. The legislation, officially titled “Fair Work for All,” passed on October 16, 2025, with 158 votes in favor and 109 against, while the main opposition party SYRIZA abstained from the vote (Source: Greek Reporter).
The ruling New Democracy (ND) party, which introduced the bill, argued that the reform modernizes Greece’s labor framework and provides greater flexibility for both employers and employees. However, unions and opposition groups have condemned the move, calling it a rollback of long-standing worker protections.
What the New Law Allows
Under the new legislation, employees in select industries — including manufacturing, retail, agriculture, and hospitality — may work up to 13 hours per day, but only for a maximum of 37 days per year, roughly equivalent to three days per month.
Key provisions include:
– The standard 40-hour workweek remains unchanged.
– The maximum average weekly limit is capped at 48 hours, calculated over a four-month period.
– Overtime remains limited to 150 hours annually, with a 40% pay increase for overtime work.
– Participation in extended hours is voluntary and requires employee consent.
– **No employee can be dismissed** for refusing to participate.
Labor Minister Niki Kerameus defended the law, saying the “13-hour workday” label is misleading:
“It can be done up to 37 days a year, on a pro rata basis of three days a month. Therefore, the term 13 hours is wrong and misleading. Secondly, it requires the agreement of the employee,” Kerameus stated.
Strong Opposition and Nationwide Strikes
Despite government assurances, the law has sparked widespread protests and two nationwide strikes in October, organized by Greece’s largest unions — ADEDY (public sector) and GSEE (private sector).
ADEDY criticized the bill as a “legalization of overexploitation,” claiming that flexible hours effectively abolish the eight-hour workday and threaten family and social life. GSEE echoed these concerns, warning that the law “further flexibilizes” working conditions to the detriment of workers’ rights.
Government’s Argument: Boosting the Private Sector
The government insists the reform will boost productivity, support seasonal industries, and strengthen employee choice. Officials emphasize that the law primarily targets staff-constrained enterprises and excludes supermarkets and certain other industries.
According to Minister Kerameus, the law “gives a boost to the private sector” and “strengthens employees” by allowing voluntary flexibility rather than imposing mandatory overtime.
Outlook: A Test for Greece’s Labor Future
The passage of the “Fair Work for All” law marks one of the most significant labor reforms in Greece in recent years. While the government frames it as a modernization effort aligned with European labor trends, critics see it as a step backward that risks undermining decades of worker protections.
As implementation begins, both employers and employees will be watching closely to see how the new system functions in practice — and whether it delivers on its promise of “fair work for all.”
