Strike against 13-hour work day in Greece: 5 key questions answered

The 13-hour work day proposal is expected to be passed and made into law this month.

Here are 5 key questions answered

1. Why the strike

The unions are protesting against the proposal of introducing a 13-hour work day in a country that already contributes some of the longest hours in Europe. Opposition has been spiralling against the pro-business administration in Greece, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, over the proposed changes, with workers arguing they not only disregard their rights but also dampen any hopes for work-life balance.

2. How it impacted services

Transport systems were halted in Athens and Thessaloniki while hospital staff, teachers and other civil servants stopped working, The Guardian reported The seas around the Greek capital were vessel-free as crews, following the union calls, kept ferries in ports.

3. What is the state of Greece’s economy

Even as the country has recovered from a prolonged debt crisis in which the economy shrank by more than 25%, salaries in Greece remain lower than other EU member states, while the cost of living has drastically risen. The minimum wage is €880 (£765) a month — though raised Mitsotakis’ government, it continues to be among the lowest in the continent.

4. What the government says

Since assuming office in July 2019, Mitsotakis expressed his wish to make the labour market more flexible by reducing the power of unions. Greek labour minister Niki Kerameus underlined that the latest law is designed to enhance that flexibility while also claiming the 13-hour rule will only be applied in “exceptional” circumstances.

5. What labour market experts say

According to The Guardian, Labour market experts have questioned the wisdom of stretching working hours when research shows such policies have negative impact on productivity and the quality of services and goods. According to the Eurostat, Greeks work  39.8 hours a week on avaerage, against with the EU average of 35.8 hours.

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