Greece implements a six-day workweek structure.
In the European Union, Greece takes the cake for workaholics, and comes next month, they're gearing up to put in even more hours on the job. The government is banking on a labor law overhaul to reduce black-market work and help corporations snag more specialized talent.
The typical Greek full-timer clocks over 1800 hours a year, blowing any other EU nation out of the water and beating the Germans by about 500 hours. While Germany grapples with trimming down working hours and some companies flaunt a four-hour workweek, Greece is about to see a drastic hike in work hours: July 1 will mark the beginning of comprehensive labor law reform in Greece, which includes a switch to a six-day workweek.
This legislative package sailed through parliament courtesy of the conservative administration, despite strong opposition from the opposition and labor unions. The new law allows for weekly work hours to jump to a maximum of 48 hours for up to six days. Other labor law regulations will also become more adaptable. Employers will have the freedom to inform their staff about their schedules just 24 hours before work commences. Probationary periods will also loosen up.
Moreover, employees will be given the green light to juggle a secondary job of up to five working hours a day in addition to their primary position. This would boost weekly working hours to a maximum of 78 hours. Formal overtime isn't compulsory, but the law presents substantial incentives: For Saturday work, a 40% higher wage is mandatory, and for Sunday work, a staggering 115% higher wage is required.
Heavy Penalties for Union Protesters
Unions worry that this law will lead to worker exploitation. They argue during the reform debate that labor inspections in Greece are virtually nonexistent. The influence of unions is also being curtailed. Those who obstruct employment, such as by staging strikes, could face hefty fines or even imprisonment.
The government aims to address the labor shortage, which isn't just plaguing industry, but also makes it tough for tourist businesses to find enough seasonal workers. Tourist businesses are expected to reap the benefits of the reform, as their employees will be able to work significantly more during peak season and less or not at all during the winter. Additionally, the government hopes to eradicate widespread black-market work. Many Greeks already have secondary jobs in addition to their main job, argue the proponents of the law. These activities will be brought into the legal realm with the reform.
