Unions in Greece are staging a 24-hour nationwide general strike on Wednesday in protest against the new labor law introduced by the conservative government.
The strike, organized by the country’s two largest unions, GSEE and ADEDY, is expected to disrupt local government services, public hospitals, schools, urban and intercity transport, ports, railways and air travel.
Teachers’ unions—the Greek Primary Teachers’ Federation (DOE), the Greek Federation of Secondary Education State School Teachers (OLME), and the Federation of Private School Teachers (OIELE)—have also urged members to join.
The Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers (POS) and the air traffic controllers’ union said they would take part, while ferry services will be suspended.
Why are unions in Greece staging a strike due to the labor law?
The new labor law foresees 10-hour workdays for four days a week throughout the year individual contracts with reduced working hours, 13-hour daily employment in companies that do not provide a short break, and a reduction in the cost of overtime.
The 88-article bill, titled “Fair Work for All,” clarifies the significant changes in individual labor law. For example, the period of increased and reduced employment periods, i.e., the reference period for the arrangement of working hours, can start from one week and reach up to twelve months.
In practice, this means that, based on the needs of the employer and provided that the employee (if there is no union or association) accepts, the working hours can be arranged even every week or continuously.
It also clarifies overtime rules, allowing employees to work up to thirteen hours per day under voluntary agreement, with pay increased by 40 percent. Limits on weekly and annual working hours remain in place, and employees are explicitly protected from dismissal if they refuse extra hours. Still, overtime can reach up to four hours per day, at the same employer.
Related: Nationwide Strike in Greece to Disrupt Airports, Ports, and Public Transport
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