Overview
- Parliament passed the bill after two days of heated debate, with only New Democracy voting in favor as Syriza declined to take part in the vote.
- The law permits employees to work up to 13 hours a day for a single employer, paid at a 40% premium, for no more than 37 days per year and officially on a voluntary basis.
- Nationwide strikes on October 1 and October 14 disrupted transport and services, and police estimated about 13,000 demonstrators in Athens and Thessaloniki on Tuesday.
- Officials argue the change will help employers cover staffing gaps, particularly in tourism, and give workers who want extra hours a higher-paid option.
- Unions and opposition parties warn many workers will be unable to refuse in practice, citing weak enforcement and risks to the 11-hour daily rest rule in a country that already works longer weeks than the EU average.