Strike overview
A 24‑hour general strike paralysed Greece on Wednesday as thousands of public- and private‑sector workers walked off the job and took to the streets to protest proposed labour law changes that would allow a 13‑hour work day. The industrial action brought mass disruption to services across the country and drew large demonstrations in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Services and transport disrupted
Transport systems in major cities were halted, hospital staff, teachers and other civil servants stopped work, and ferries around the Greek capital remained in port after crews followed union calls. Schools and many public services were affected by the stoppage.
The government proposal
The centre‑right government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis is moving to pass a law this month that would allow employees to be on site for up to 13 hours a day — effectively extending time at work by as much as five hours. The labour minister, Niki Kerameus, said the measure is designed to increase flexibility and would be applied only in “exceptional” circumstances.
Government rationale and defence
Defending the change, Prime Minister Mitsotakis has argued the reform would let young people who often hold two jobs put in more hours for a single employer. Since taking office in July 2019, Mitsotakis has repeatedly said he wants to make the labour market more flexible, including by reducing the power of unions and limiting collective work agreements.
Union and worker reaction
Unions and workers have strongly opposed the proposal. Pame, a union affiliated with the Communist party, called the measure “modern slavery.” Trade unionists warned the change would undermine workers’ rights and destroy any prospects for work‑life balance. Makis Kontogiorgos, a trade unionist from a major technology company speaking in Syntagma Square, said: “Greeks are already forced to survive on some of the lowest wages in Europe and now they’re asking us to effectively work most of the day.”
Personal testimony
Workers who joined the protests voiced fears of labour abuse and worsening living standards. Katerina Andritsopoulou, 55, who works in a privately owned manufacturing company, said she protested because many vulnerable workers would be unable to negotiate with employers if the law passes. “While the rest of Europe talks about a shorter working week, in Greece, in the 21st century, it’s all about longer hours and wages that don’t reflect the cost of living,” she said.
Economic context and wages
Although Greece has recovered from a prolonged debt crisis and deep austerity measures, wages remain low relative to other EU countries while the cost of living has risen sharply. The minimum wage is €880 a month (about £765) following increases under Mitsotakis’s government.
Productivity, safety and expert concerns
Critics and labour market experts warn longer hours can cause burnout and increase the risk of workplace accidents, and may be detrimental to productivity and quality of goods and services. Unions and experts say the change could therefore harm both workers and the economy.
Working hours in context
According to Eurostat, Greeks work on average 39.8 hours a week, compared with an EU average of 35.8 hours (Eurostat). Last year the government also introduced a voluntary six‑day working week for private businesses in tourism and other round‑the‑clock sectors, a move unions criticised as “barbaric.”
What happens next
The 13‑hour day proposal is expected to be enacted this month unless further political or social resistance alters the timetable. With unions signalling continued industrial action, debates over labour reform, worker protections and the direction of Greece’s labour market are set to intensify.
