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An extensive industrial action has plunged the country to a halt, with unions intensifying their protests against proposed labor laws that would implement a 13-hour workday in a nation already logging some of the longest hours across the continent.

Mass Disruption Across the Country

This day-long strike triggered significant disruption to services across the country on midweek, as countless of workers from the private and public sectors stopped work and marched in protest.

In both the capital and the second city, public transit were shut down, while hospital staff, educators, and other civil servants participated in the strike. Maritime routes near the Athens were empty as ship workers followed union calls and remained in vessels in harbors.

Workers are currently forced to get by on among the lowest wages in Europe and now they’re expecting us to practically work most of the day.

Increasing Resistance to Proposed Labor Reforms

The business-friendly government of Prime Minister the current leader has faced growing resistance over the planned reforms, with workers contending they not only violate their rights but also eliminate any hopes for work-life balance.

This extended workday measure is expected to be passed into legislation this month. The change would allow employees to work for 13 hours, effectively extending their presence at the job by as much as five additional hours.

Financial Recovery Amid Minimal Wages

Although the Mediterranean country has bounced back from a lengthy debt crisis that witnessed the GDP contract by more than a quarter, and faced severe budget cuts imposed in exchange for international rescue funds, wages continue to be well behind other European Union member states at a time when the living expenses has risen dramatically.

At 880 euros per month, the base pay – though increased by the current conservative administration – is among the lowest on the continent.

Opposition and Concerns Regarding Longer Work Hours

Opponents have warned that longer office hours could lead to exhaustion and on-the-job injuries. Pame, linked to the leftist party, compared the proposed law to “contemporary servitude”.

Workplace experts have questioned the wisdom of extending working hours when studies indicates such policies are detrimental to productivity and the quality of products and services.

Based on European Union statistical body Eurostat, workers in Greece labor on average 39.8 hours a per week, compared with the EU mean of 35.8 hours.

Previous Outcry Regarding Six-Day Working Week

Last year, the administration sparked a similar backlash by enacting a six-day working week, a voluntary plan for companies in tourism and other sectors providing 24/7 operations. Labor groups condemned the policy as “inhumane”.

Government Justification of the Proposal

After taking power in 2019, the Prime Minister has said he aims to make the job market flexible by reducing the influence of unions, such as collective work agreements.

The minister for labor, Niki Kerameus, says the latest law has been crafted to improve that adaptability, claiming the 13-hour regulation will only be used in “exceptional” situations.

Justifying the measure, the leader said it would give youth, who frequently work two jobs to make ends meet, the ability to work additional time for a single company.

Whereas the other European nations discusses a reduced working week, in this country, in the 21st century, it’s focused on longer hours and salaries that don’t reflect the cost of living.

Public Response and Future Fears

Katerina Andritsopoulou, 55 years old, an employee in a private manufacturing company, said she felt obliged to join the protests out of fear that numerous would succumb to workplace exploitation as a consequence of the new law.

“It’s awful that a large number of of us are obliged to rely on state aid to pay for our heating and additional expenses,” she said. “We aren’t here pleading or asking for favors. We’re here because there are many vulnerable people out there who won’t be able to bargain with employers once regulations like this are passed.”