In a bid to increase the pace of economic growth in Greece, some industries will follow a six-day work week. A law has been implemented that permits employees to work for 48 hours instead of 40.
The law is applicable to businesses that are run continuously 24×7, and gives the employees an option to choose not to work 48 hours. However, if they do choose to work 48 hours, they are paid 40 per cent extra as overtime. The law is also applicable to businesses that run 24 hours a day and where employees work in rotating shifts, five or six days a week.
It is pertinent to mention here that the move will not impact the set five-day working week which is mandatory as per law. However, it does allow for the extra hours to tackle increased workload.
With the increased working hours, Greece expects to effectively deal with the undeclared work which is a means for some to evade tax. It will ensure that workers are fairly compensated for the ‘undeclared work’ they do.
The legislation does not apply to the tourism sector and food industry.
When the idea was mooted in 2023, many workers were not in favour of the same, as it allowed employers to call employees 24 hours in advance and request them to show up to work. This, according to unions was nothing but a diluted form of the eight-hour work day and five-day work week as it did not encourage breaks or weekends in any way.
Meanwhile, most countries that have tried the four-day work week swear by the benefits of the same, which is reflected in increased productivity and enhanced mental and physical health of their workforce.
