Nationwide Strike Paralyses Greece Over Proposed 13-Hour Workday

Widespread Disruption Across Greece

Greece experienced a 24-hour nationwide general strike on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, as public and private sector workers protested against proposed labor reforms. The industrial action led to significant disruptions across the country, affecting transportation, public services, and daily life. Thousands of workers participated in demonstrations in major cities, including Athens and Thessaloniki.

Controversial Labor Reforms Spark Outcry

The strike was primarily called in opposition to a new labor law introduced by the government, which includes provisions for a controversial 13-hour workday. Unions argue that these reforms will erode workers' rights, increase exploitation, and undermine work-life balance in a country still grappling with low wages despite economic recovery.

Key aspects of the proposed legislation, titled 'Fair Work for All,' include allowing employees to work up to 13 hours per day under specific conditions, flexible scheduling, and changes to overtime regulations. While the government, led by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, asserts that the reforms aim to modernize Greece's labor market and align it with European standards, unions contend that the 13-hour rule, even if applied in 'exceptional' circumstances, is unacceptable.

The law also outlines that working hours, including overtime, would be capped at 48 hours per week, with a maximum of 150 overtime hours allowed annually. Overtime would be compensated with a 40 percent pay increase.

Transport and Public Services Severely Impacted

The strike caused extensive travel chaos. Ferries were suspended nationwide, leaving vessels tied up in ports such as Piraeus and Rafina and stranding many travelers. In Athens, taxis and trains were unavailable for the entire 24-hour period. Buses, metro, tram, and trolley services operated on significantly reduced schedules, with buses running from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. and metro/tram services from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

While a court ruling blocked the participation of the Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers' Union (EEKE), preventing a full grounding of flights, Athens International Airport (Eleftherios Venizelos) still reported 127 delays and 2 cancellations. Major international carriers, including Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, and Qatar Airways, were among those affected.

Beyond transport, public services also faced severe disruptions. Schools and courts were closed, and services at public hospitals were limited to emergency operations only. Municipal offices across the country also remained shut.

Union Demands and Government Stance

The strike was organized by Greece's largest unions, including the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY). Union leaders demanded the withdrawal of the new labor bill, the restoration of collective bargaining rights, and a move towards a 35-hour, five-day work week. They also called for higher wages and the reinstatement of the 13th and 14th monthly salaries.

The government maintains that the reforms are necessary to enhance flexibility and modernize the labor market. Labor Minister Niki Kerameus stated that the 13-hour rule would only apply in 'exceptional' circumstances, aiming to give young people the option to work more hours for a single employer. However, unions remain steadfast in their opposition, with a trade unionist quoted as saying, 'Greeks are already forced to survive on some of the lowest wages in Europe and now they're asking us to effectively work most of the day.'