Greece’s government is moving forward with a controversial new labor bill that introduces sweeping reforms to working hours, hiring and dismissal processes, and the structure of employment contracts. The bill, expected to be approved today during a Cabinet meeting, is designed to modernize labor practices while also simplifying bureaucratic procedures. However, it has already sparked debate over the potential impact on worker protections.
Key Provisions: 13-Hour Workdays and Fast-Track Layoffs
One of the most notable changes introduced in the new bill is the formal allowance of up to 13 hours of work per day for employees under a single employer. This extends a previously existing provision that permitted such hours only when an employee worked for multiple employers. Under the new framework, the 13-hour limit can apply as long as workers receive at least 11 hours of rest per day and the weekly maximum remains at 40 hours plus up to 8 hours of overtime.
In addition to expanded work hours, the bill includes fast-track procedures for hiring and dismissals. Employers will now be able to hire staff using a single digital form and handle both hires and layoffs through a dedicated mobile app. These processes are especially intended for emergency staffing needs.
Focus on Modernization and Worker Safety
Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Security, Anna Efthymiou, described the bill as a move toward greater modernization, including reforms aimed at health and safety in the workplace and the strengthening of labor inspections. The government also aims to align national legislation with International Labor Organization (ILO) standards.
A significant component of the bill is the expansion of Greece’s Digital Labor Card, which electronically tracks work hours and overtime. Efthymiou highlighted dramatic increases in reported overtime since the card’s implementation—1,105% in tourism, 131% in retail, and over 100% in food services—indicating that the system is effectively capturing real-time data and supporting workers’ rights enforcement.
The card will soon be rolled out in additional sectors, including wholesale trade, energy, and financial services.
Collective Agreements and Social Dialogue
The government has also initiated a national dialogue on Collective Labor Agreements with social partners. According to Efthymiou, the aim is to increase the coverage and effectiveness of these agreements, which currently apply to approximately 80% of the workforce. The dialogue began earlier this year and is scheduled to conclude by December 2025.
Streamlining Social Security and Addressing Pension Delays
The Ministry of Labor is also continuing efforts to digitize Greece’s social security system, with 51% of employment records—representing around 27 million pages—already digitized. The remainder is expected to be completed by early 2026 using artificial intelligence tools. Efthymiou stated that this will speed up the processing of pending pensions, which have dropped from hundreds of thousands in 2019 to 15,000 main pensions and 31,000 supplementary pensions as of today.
Additionally, the government is reviewing the solidarity contribution imposed on working pensioners who receive increased benefits due to additional contributions, with the goal of delivering more favorable outcomes for this group.
Government’s Rationale
According to the Ministry of Labor, the bill aims to:
- Reduce red tape in employment procedures
- Enhance health and safety standards
- Strengthen the Labour Inspectorate
- Update labor laws to reflect modern realities
- Improve the efficiency of the social security system
