After leading Europe in economic growth, Greece, which was once in the midst of a severe financial crisis, has gone against the current by implementing a 48-hour workweek. Unions have strongly criticized this move, calling it "barbaric", and it will begin on Monday.
Akis Sotiropoulos, a member of the executive committee of the civil servants’ union Adedy, expressed disbelief, stating that the decision makes no sense at all. He pointed out that while most other developed countries are moving towards a four-day workweek, Greece has chosen to do the opposite.
Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' pro-business government argues that the decision was driven by the challenges of a declining population and a shortage of skilled workers. Mitsotakis had previously warned about the looming demographic changes, referring to it as a serious issue. As part of a larger set of labor laws passed last year, this initiative was introduced. Since the financial crisis of 2009, an estimated 500,000 predominantly young educated Greeks have emigrated, marking an unprecedented exodus.
Officials have clarified that the six-day workweek will be limited to private businesses offering continuous services. In these sectors, employees will have the choice to work an additional two hours daily or an extra eight-hour shift. They will receive an additional payment of 40% on top of their regular daily wage for this extended work.
According to the center-right government, both options will address the problem of employees not receiving payment for overtime and will also help combat the widespread issue of undeclared work.
Before the Greek parliament approved the law, Prime Minister Mitsotakis described it as prioritizing workers and focusing on fostering economic growth. He also emphasized that the law aligns Greece with the standards observed across the rest of Europe.
However, there has been strong opposition. Critics argue that in a country where workplace inspections are almost non-existent, this reform effectively marks the end of the traditional five-day workweek. They particularly criticize the provision that allows employers to decide if a sixth day of work is necessary.
Opponents, who have already begun protesting in the streets, believe that the reform undermines legal protections and diminishes well-established rights of workers under the guise of flexibility.
Sotiropoulos stated that the government, driven by a commitment to increasing profits for capital, has passed this law. He argued that improved productivity comes from better working conditions and a higher quality of life for employees, which research shows is achieved through fewer hours, not more.
He mentioned that the measure was partly enabled by the weakening of trade unions, which occurred when debt-ridden Athens implemented austerity measures in exchange for financial assistance during the country's financial crisis. Unions have consistently argued that overtime allows employers to avoid hiring additional staff.
Tested programs where employees work four days instead of five have consistently shown higher productivity levels, attributed to improved focus. Belgium passed a law in 2022 allowing employees to opt for a four-day workweek, and similar pilot projects have been conducted in countries such as the UK, Germany, Japan, South Africa, and Canada.
Greeks currently work the longest hours in Europe, averaging 41 hours per week according to Eurostat, the EU's statistics agency. However, surveys indicate they are paid significantly less. The left-wing opposition often criticizes the situation, describing it as "Bulgarian salaries in a country where prices are similar to those in Britain", arguing that this has worsened the brain drain issue.
Retired individuals receiving pensions have also entered the discussion, expressing their views on the legislation.
Grigoris Kalomoiris, who leads the union of retired teachers (Pesek), criticized the government, suggesting that they are encouraging pensioners to work longer without adequate oversight or concern.
He stated that the government is aware that most Greeks, earning an average monthly salary of €900, struggle to make ends meet beyond the 20th of each month. Kalomoiris believes this new harsh measure will not address the underlying issue of labor shortages. He also expressed concern that it unfairly affects unemployed young Greeks who may never find employment.
SOURCE: The Guardian