Greece is on track to become the first country in the European Union to introduce a 13-hour working day in the private sector.
Parliament is due to vote on the legislation this Wednesday, with nationwide protests planned. Despite strong criticism from trade unions, the bill is expected to pass comfortably with support from the ruling New Democracy party.
Since coming to power, the government has overhauled the labour market to make it the most “flexible” in Europe.
Since July 2024, employees in sectors such as retail, agriculture and manufacturing have been required to work six days a week, receiving a 40% pay increase for the sixth day.
The government says the measures are necessary due to an ageing population and a shortage of skilled workers.
On Tuesday, Greece was brought to a standstill by a general strike, the second this month, as protesters urged the government to scrap the controversial legislation.
