Why Is Greece Introducing A 6-Day Workweek?
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26 June 2024
While many countries and companies worldwide are considering a 4-day workweek, Greece is moving towards a six-day workweek
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From July 1st, some workers in specific industries will move to a six-day workweek instead of the traditional five
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Select industrial and manufacturing facilities, along with businesses that provide 24/7 services, are eligible to extend the workweek beyond 5 days
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Tourism and food service industries are excluded from this new arrangement
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The move aims to tackle labour productivity issues stemming from unemployment and shrinking populations
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It will also address the lack of skilled workers, which has been exacerbated by the country's recent financial crisis and subsequent brain drain
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Those who work more will also be paid more. Workers will be paid 40% more for the extra hours worked
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The government hopes that the increased earning potential from the sixth workday will entice workers to take on additional hours and reduce undeclared overtime work
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Employees can be asked to split their work in various ways: working two additional hours a day or working a maximum of eight hours on a sixth day of the week
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The new rules, meanwhile, were met with angry reactions by the opposition and trade unions, with many saying that it could create "barbaric" conditions
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