General strike against 13-hour work day brings Greece to a halt
12 hours ago
- #labor-rights
- #Greece-strike
- #work-reform
- A general strike in Greece has caused widespread disruption as workers protest against new labor laws introducing a 13-hour workday.
- Public and private sector workers, including transport staff, hospital employees, and teachers, participated in the strike, halting services across the country.
- The proposed 13-hour workday law, expected to pass this month, would extend working hours by up to five hours, sparking outrage over work-life balance concerns.
- Workers argue that Greece already has some of the longest working hours in Europe (39.8 hours/week vs. EU average of 35.8 hours/week) and low wages (minimum wage €880/month).
- Critics, including unions, describe the measure as 'modern slavery,' citing risks of burnout, work accidents, and reduced productivity.
- The government defends the law, claiming it will provide flexibility and help young people working multiple jobs to earn more from a single employer.
- Protesters fear the law will leave vulnerable workers unable to negotiate fair conditions, exacerbating financial struggles amid rising living costs.