Strike Action and Disruptions
The walkout, held on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, significantly disrupted transport in the capital, Athens, and the second-largest city, Thessaloniki, along with rail and ferry services.
Teachers, hospital staff, and civil servants also participated in the widespread industrial action, as reported by AFP. Demonstrations took place in major cities beyond Athens and Thessaloniki.
Worker Concerns and Objections
Worker representatives expressed grave concerns about the proposed legislation:
- Loss of Privacy and Increased Profit: Notis Skouras, a member of a hairdressers’ union, told AFP in the capital, “With this bill, workers will no longer have any privacy, and for what? To satisfy employers and increase their profits.”
- Health and Work-Life Balance: The major union confederations, GSEE and ADEDY, stated that the suggested working hours endanger workers’ health and safety and destroy the work-life balance.
- “Modern Slavery”: The pro-communist union PAME accused the government of trying to enforce “modern slavery” on workers, forcing them to endure inhumane hours and miserable wages.
- Safety Risk: Panagiotis Gakas, a construction union member, pointed out that work accidents often occur during overtime hours when workers are exhausted. He added that his union has recorded 20 fatal work accidents in their sector.
The Proposed Law and Government Rationale
AFP reported that the bill permits companies to allow employees to work 13 hours a day under extraordinary circumstances, with additional pay. Police estimated that more than 8,000 workers participated in the strike in Athens and Thessaloniki.
Government Justification
The government maintains that the bill is intended to accommodate individuals seeking side jobs for extra income.
- The legislation would allow these workers to take on longer hours at their existing job instead of having to find a separate second job.
- Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the move, saying many young people already hold two jobs and want to work more to boost their earnings. “We ensure the freedom of choice for employers and employees. Why is that anti-social?” Mitsotakis said earlier this month.
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Labour Minister Niki Kerameus stressed that the measure is exceptional and won’t be generalized. She told Mega TV this week, “This is a provision that applies for up to 37 days per year only with the employee’s consent and with a 40 percent salary increase.”