On Thursday, Greece’s Parliament approved a contentious Labor Ministry bill, criticized for potentially enabling a 13-hour workday. The bill passed with 158 votes in the 300-seat Parliament, backed by the government majority, while 109 voted against. The leftist opposition party SYRIZA abstained from the roll-call vote.
The legislation has sparked two nationwide strikes by public and private sector unions, who argue it undermines workers’ rights by increasing working hour flexibility. ADEDY, a major union, condemned the bill, stating it effectively dismantles the eight-hour workday, disrupts family and social life, and legalizes worker exploitation. Critics dispute the government’s claim that the bill allows a four-day workweek by extending daily hours, arguing it risks worker abuse without a shift to a 35-hour week.
The Labor Ministry defends the bill, asserting it protects workers from dismissal for refusing overtime, enhances family-related protections, and safeguards salaries from reductions.
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