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A massive industrial action has plunged the country to a halt, with labor groups intensifying their protests against proposed labor laws that would implement a 13-hour workday in a nation already logging some of the longest hours across Europe.

Widespread Disarray Throughout the Country

The 24-hour strike caused significant chaos to services throughout the nation on midweek, as countless of employees from both public and private sectors stopped work and took to the streets.

In both the capital and the second city, public transit were shut down, while hospital staff, teachers, and other government employees joined the strike. The seas around the Greek capital were vessel-free as ferry crews heeded strike directives and kept vessels in ports.

Greeks are currently compelled to survive on among the lowest wages in Europe and now they’re asking us to effectively work the majority of the day.

Increasing Opposition to Controversial Labor Changes

The business-friendly government of the Premier Kyriakos Mitsotakis has faced growing resistance over the planned reforms, with employees contending they not only infringe upon their rights but also destroy any prospects for a balanced life.

The 13-hour day measure is expected to be enacted into legislation this month. The change would permit employees to work for thirteen hours, effectively extending their presence at the workplace by up to five hours.

Financial Recovery Amid Minimal Pay

While the southern European country has bounced back from a prolonged debt crisis that saw the economy contract by more than a quarter, and faced severe austerity enforced in exchange for bailout rescue funds, salaries continue to be significantly lower than other European Union member states at a time when the cost of living has risen sharply.

With 880 euros a month, the minimum wage – even though increased by the current conservative administration – is one of the smallest on the continent.

Criticism and Concerns Regarding Extended Work Hours

Critics have warned that extended office hours could cause burnout and work accidents. A major union, linked to the leftist party, likened the proposed law to “contemporary servitude”.

Workplace experts have doubted the logic of extending work schedules when studies shows such measures are detrimental to productivity and the quality of services and goods.

According to EU data body Eurostat, workers in Greece labor on typically 39.8 hours a week, versus the EU average of about 36 hours.

Previous Controversy Regarding Six-Day Work Week

Last year, the administration sparked a similar outcry by enacting a six-day workweek, a optional plan for companies in tourism and other sectors providing 24/7 services. Unions condemned the measure as “inhumane”.

Administration Defense of the Measure

Since assuming office in 2019, Mitsotakis has said he aims to make the labor market more flexible by curtailing the influence of unions, including collective work agreements.

The labour minister, the official, says the new legislation has been designed to improve that adaptability, stating the extended rule will only be used in “exceptional” circumstances.

Defending the proposal, Mitsotakis said it would give young people, who frequently work two jobs to get by, the ability to work additional time for a one company.

While the other European nations talks about a shorter workweek, in Greece, in the 21st century, it’s all about longer hours and wages that fail to match the living costs.

Public Reaction and Upcoming Concerns

Katerina Andritsopoulou, 55 years old, an worker in a private manufacturing company, said she felt obliged to participate in the demonstrations out of fear that numerous would succumb to labor abuses as a result of the change.

“It’s awful that a large number of of us are forced to depend on government benefits to cover our utility and other costs,” she said. “We’re not here pleading or making demands. We’re here because there are a lot of at-risk people out there who won’t be able to negotiate with employers after regulations like this are passed.”