Greece justifies six-day workweek Amid controversy and criticism

While companies around the world are considering shorter workweeks, Greece has taken a different approach by implementing a six-day workweek to boost productivity.

Despite leading in economic growth among European nations and recovering from a severe financial crisis, Greece is now introducing a 48-hour workweek, Caliber.Az reports, citing foreign media.

Unions have criticized the measure as "barbaric." Akis Sotiropoulos, an executive committee member of the civil servants' union Adedy, remarked, "It makes no sense whatsoever. When almost every other civilized country is adopting a four-day week, Greece decides to go the other way."

The pro-business administration led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has justified the new policy by citing concerns over Greece's shrinking population and the shortage of skilled labour. Introduced as part of a broader labour law overhaul enacted last year, the initiative aims to address what Mitsotakis has called a "ticking timebomb" of demographic change.

Following a significant emigration wave, particularly among young educated Greeks during the country's debt crisis from late 2009, the government contends that the six-day workweek will only apply to private businesses offering continuous services. In these sectors, employees will have the option to work additional hours each day or a full extra shift, with a 40 per cent supplement added to their daily wage. This approach, according to the centre-right government, aims to address issues related to unpaid overtime and unreported employment.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the legislation as worker-friendly and growth-oriented before its approval by the Greek parliament. He argued that it aligns Greece with European norms. However, the reform has sparked intense criticism. Critics argue that in a country with minimal workplace inspection traditions, the law effectively signals the end of the five-day workweek by allowing employers to mandate a sixth day of work. Opponents, who have already protested vigorously, claim the reform undermines legal protections and diminishes longstanding workers' rights in favour of flexibility.

According to critics like Sotiropoulos, the legislation reflects the government's ideological commitment to increasing profits for capital at the expense of worker well-being. They assert that improved productivity should come from better working conditions and a higher quality of life through reduced hours, rather than increasing them. The measure's passage was facilitated, in part, by weakened union influence following austerity measures imposed during Greece's financial crisis, which unions argue incentivized employers to rely on overtime rather than hiring additional staff.

Several countries have experimented with four-day workweek programs, consistently finding increased productivity attributed to improved focus. Belgium passed legislation in 2022 granting employees the right to condense their workweek to four days, a model also piloted in the UK, Germany, Japan, South Africa, and Canada.

Greeks already work the longest hours in Europe, averaging 41 hours per week according to Eurostat, yet surveys indicate they are among the lowest-paid. The left-wing opposition has criticized the disparity, labelling it "Bulgarian salaries in a country of British prices," which exacerbates emigration due to economic factors.

Retirees, also encouraged to return to work under the new legislation, have voiced concern. Grigoris Kalomoiris, head of the retired teachers' union, criticized the government's approach, arguing it unfairly pressures individuals struggling with average monthly earnings of 900 euros, often leading to financial strain before the month's end. Many fear the measure will not alleviate labour shortages and could disadvantage unemployed youth seeking employment opportunities.