The Greek parliament voted this Thursday on a controversial bill that allows, under certain conditions, a 13-hour working day. The legislation was approved by a government majority of 158 votes in the 300-seat parliament. There were 109 votes against, while the left opposition, SYRIZA, refused to participate in the vote.
Mitsotakis’ conservative government calls it a reform that promotes “fair and flexible work for all”, but Greek unions see the law as legitimizing “wage slavery”. The law provides that employees can add five hours of work over the normal schedule for a 40% higher wage. This is only valid for 37 days per year and only with the consent of the employee. Unions warn that this reform endangers the health and family life of workers.
Two general strikes have been held this month in Athens and other cities, with protesters holding placards saying rights are going back to the Middle Ages. The president of Syriza, Sokratis Famellos, stated that Greeks work more than any other country in the EU, but receive less.
The head of PASOK, Nikos Androulakis, said that the government is systematically destroying workers’ rights. On the other hand, Minister Kerameos said in parliament that the law does not affect the official working hours and that the extension is limited. He added that many employees will be able to earn more without having to pursue two jobs simultaneously.
