(MENAFN) Greece’s national legislature has endorsed a new labor reform proposed by the government, which permits employers to lengthen working shifts to as many as 13 hours under specific circumstances.

This decision has led to widespread demonstrations from workers who are already grappling with a severe cost-of-living crisis.

The new measure, approved by the ruling party’s majority, broadens the existing standard eight-hour workday. Opposition parties criticized the move, accusing the administration of undermining labor protections and “pushing the country back to the Middle Ages.”

Some parliamentarians described the reform as a “legislative monstrosity.” As per data from Eurostat, Greek employees already clock the most hours in the European Union, averaging 40 hours per week, compared to 35 in other member states.

Officials claim the reform is intended to update outdated employment regulations. They emphasize that extended work shifts will be voluntary, limited to the private sector, and applicable only up to 37 days per year.

Supporters argue that the change enables employees to earn more by working additional hours for a single employer rather than managing several part-time roles.

Nonetheless, labor organizations have harshly criticized the legislation, seeing it as a significant setback for workers’ rights, especially amid stagnant earnings and rapidly rising living expenses. Unions have already organized two nationwide strikes this month, the most recent occurring on Tuesday.

The public-sector union ADEDY condemned the bill, warning that it represents “the abolition of the eight-hour day, the destruction of family and social life, and the legalization of over-exploitation.”

“When the rest of Europe is discussing shorter hours, in Greece we’re increasing them,” a bartender from Athens told a news agency, adding that his rent had doubled over the last two years.

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