GREECE PARALYSED BY STRIKE OVER PROPOSED 13-HOUR WORKDAY

October 14, 2025

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Transport and public services across Greece were disrupted on Tuesday as major unions staged a nationwide 24-hour strike to protest government plans to introduce an optional 13-hour workday.

The industrial action the second this month shut down public and municipal services and brought ferries and trains to a standstill. Urban transport in Athens also operated on reduced schedules, though flights remained unaffected.

Protests are being held in Athens and other major cities, with unions warning that the proposed legislation could pressure workers into accepting longer hours to avoid layoffs.

The government, however, insists the measure expected to be voted into law on Wednesday is optional and aims to give employees more flexibility. “This law strengthens employees and facilitates businesses,” Labour Minister Niki Kerameus said on SKAI TV, adding that it also expands benefits for working mothers and allows for a four-day workweek option.

Currently, the legal working day in Greece is eight hours with the possibility of paid overtime. The country has also legalised a six-day workweek in certain high-demand sectors, such as tourism.

A similar nationwide strike on the issue was held on October 1, underscoring growing public opposition to the controversial labour reform.