[Greece] Plans for 13-hour workdays under new labour bill

Major changes to Greece’s labour market are on the way as a new bill from the Ministry of Labour moves to parliament in September, Tovima.com reports.

After a period of public consultation, the legislation proposes extended working hours, greater flexibility, and reforms to collective bargaining.

At the bill’s centre is an option for employees to work up to 13 hours per day during certain periods of the year, with a 40 per cent wage increase for the additional 13th hour. 

In addition, it reportedly expands the possibility of a four-day workweek, where employees would work longer shifts spread across fewer days.

The bill’s other key measures include:

• Allowing part-time employees to work overtime.

• Promoting flexible forms of employment, such as trial contracts of six months and on-demand work agreements, including single-day contracts.

• Introducing flexible start times, with arrival variations of up to two hours, recorded through a digital card system.

• Splitting annual leave into more than two segments, beyond what is currently allowed.

• Exempting overtime bonuses above the legal minimum from insurance contributions.

• Imposing stricter penalties for violence against labour inspectors.

Source: Tovima.com

Major changes to Greece’s labour market are on the way as a new bill from the Ministry of Labour moves to parliament in September, Tovima.com reports.

After a period of public consultation, the legislation proposes extended working hours, greater flexibility, and reforms to collective bargaining.

At the bill’s centre is an option for employees to work up to 13 hours per day during certain periods of the year, with a 40 per cent wage increase for the additional 13th hour. 

In addition, it reportedly expands the possibility of a four-day workweek, where employees would work longer shifts spread across fewer days.

The bill’s other key measures include:

• Allowing part-time employees to work overtime.

• Promoting flexible forms of employment, such as trial contracts of six months and on-demand work agreements, including single-day contracts.

• Introducing flexible start times, with arrival variations of up to two hours, recorded through a digital card system.

• Splitting annual leave into more than two segments, beyond what is currently allowed.

• Exempting overtime bonuses above the legal minimum from insurance contributions.

• Imposing stricter penalties for violence against labour inspectors.

Source: Tovima.com