Greece has imposed emergency labor measures in effect today, Wednesday, April 1, 2026, as severe weather conditions impact large parts of the country.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Security announced the measures following updated warnings from the National Meteorological Service and consultations with civil protection authorities. The steps are aimed at reducing risks for workers exposed to dangerous conditions.

Mandatory halt to outdoor work

A mandatory suspension of outdoor work is in place from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. in areas expected to be hardest hit by the weather. These include Attica, Central Greece, Thessaly — including the Sporades islands — the Peloponnese, the South Aegean, as well as parts of northern Greece.

The measure applies to manual work carried out outdoors, including construction and technical projects, ship repair operations, and delivery services using motorcycles, scooters or similar means.

It covers all workers regardless of employment status, including those working through digital platforms.

Exceptions for critical sectors

The suspension does not apply to critical sectors such as health care, transportation and public utilities, including water and electricity services.

Employers in these sectors must take all necessary steps to safeguard workers’ health and safety, including providing appropriate protective equipment.

Authorities said businesses that fail to comply face fines of 2,000 euros per employee.

Remote work encouraged

The ministry is also urging private-sector employers in affected areas to allow remote work wherever feasible, in an effort to limit travel and reduce exposure to hazardous conditions.

Flexible working arrangements

To help businesses and employees adapt, employers may temporarily adjust working hours without prior declaration in the national employment system.