Greece Parliament Extends Working Hours Amid Protests
- A recent Eurostat survey reveals Greece has the highest percentage of workers logging 49+ hours weekly, sparking debate as new legislation allows for extended workdays.
- According too a 2024 survey by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, 12.4% of workers in Greece regularly work 49 hours or more per week in...
- Concurrently, Greece's parliament approved a bill on Thursday, October 10, 2024, permitting private sector employers to extend employee working hours AP News.
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Greece Leads EU in Long Working Hours, amidst Labor Law Changes
Table of Contents
A recent Eurostat survey reveals Greece has the highest percentage of workers logging 49+ hours weekly, sparking debate as new legislation allows for extended workdays.
Key Findings: Eurostat’s 2024 Report
According too a 2024 survey by Eurostat, the statistical office of the European Union, 12.4% of workers in Greece regularly work 49 hours or more per week in their primary job.This figure is the highest proportion recorded across all EU member states Euronews. The EU defines “long working hours” as 49 hours or more per week.
New Labor Law Sparks Controversy
Concurrently, Greece’s parliament approved a bill on Thursday, October 10, 2024, permitting private sector employers to extend employee working hours AP News. This legislation has triggered widespread protests,with critics arguing it could lead to worker exploitation and a decline in labor standards. The bill allows for greater adaptability in work schedules,but unions fear it will be used to increase workloads without adequate compensation.
Comparative Data: Long Hours Across the EU
While Greece leads in long working hours, other EU countries also exhibit significant percentages.Here’s a comparison based on available data:
| Country | Percentage of Workers (49+ hours/week) – 2024 (Eurostat) |
|---|---|
| Greece | 12.4% |
| Romania | 11.1% |
| Poland | 9.6% |
| Spain | 8.8% |
| Italy | 8.2% |
| EU Average | 6.8% |
Source: Euronews, based on Eurostat data.
Impact and Concerns
The combination of high existing working hours and the new legislation raises concerns about the well-being of Greek workers. Prolonged work hours have been linked to increased stress,burnout,and health problems. Critics also argue that the law could exacerbate