On 14 October 2025, Greece was brought to a near-standstill by a 24-hour national strike, as public transport ground to a halt and many ferries remained tied up in port. The action was called by the major unions to coincide with the parliamentary debate of a controversial labour-market reform that would allow private-sector employers in certain cases to require shifts of up to 13 hours a day.
What happened
The country’s two largest unions—GSEE (private-sector workers) and ADEDY (public-sector workers)—called the strike to protest a draft law this month which, if enacted, will empower employers to lengthen individual working days from the current standard eight hours. The reform also loosens rules on short-term hiring and annual leave.
The most visible impact was on passenger sea travel. Many ferries stayed docked and several operators cancelled routes, leaving island commuters and tourists stranded or forced to rebook. Local ferry operators reported route cancellations and asked passengers to check or change tickets, while port areas such as Piraeus saw passenger ships moored at their quays during the walkout. Cargo operations did not report a full, system-wide shutdown, but reduced staffing and delays at terminals created localized slowdowns.
Political response and debate
The government insists that the bill will modernise Greece’s labour market by offering more flexibility and that it includes safeguards for workers who refuse overtime. For example, the bill allows optional longer shifts and parades the possibility of a four-day working week.
Unions and opposition parties disagree. They argue the change risks normalising 13-hour working days and weakening collective bargaining rights in a country where average wages remain low and many workers already clock long hours. According to the EU’s statistics agency, Greeks already work among the longest average hours in Europe.
According to an Euronews analysis, Greeks worked on average 39.8 hours per week, compared with around 34 hours in Germany and 32 in the Netherlands. The proposed 13-hour maximum shift is capped in the draft at 37 days per year (roughly three days per month) under employer discretion — and only in the private sector. Economic context: Despite recovering from the 2009-2018 debt crisis, Greece still has many workers struggling with stagnating real wages and eroded purchasing power. Historically, collective labour agreements were eroded during the austerity years; union density in Greece has been relatively low compared to some other EU countries, reducing negotiating power. (While exact recent union density was not retrieved, data from general union-membership sources show Greece around ~19% in earlier years)
This reform sits at a crossroads: on one hand, the government frames it as part of a shift toward flexibility and competitiveness in a post-crisis economy; on the other, workers see it as a rollback of protections and a move toward longer working hours at a time when work–life balance is already under pressure.
If the bill passes, Greece will join the ranks of European countries allowing private employers greater scope for extended shifts — even as many European states are debating shorter workweeks or stricter overtime caps. Analysts warn that without careful implementation, the change could fuel further strikes or unrest, especially in sectors like tourism and transport that already face labour shortages and high demand.
Union leaders have vowed to continue action, signalling that this may not be a one-day interruption but the start of a broader industrial conflict if concessions are not forthcoming. The voting in parliament is expected later this week; if approved, the next months will tell how quickly the new rules are applied in practice and whether worker push-back will soften or intensify.
As Editor in Chief of The Maritime, I lead content development, interviews, and digital storytelling across our multimedia maritime platform. With over 10 years of experience in the maritime industry, I create and publish in-depth stories and video features that highlight key players, emerging trends, and operational realities across global shipping. Before launching The Maritime, I worked as a Vessel Operator at Imza Marine A.S., gaining hands-on commercial shipping and voyage operations experience. I also served as Marketing Communications Specialist at Gimas Ship Supply & Services, where I managed corporate communication, digital strategy, and industry outreach for shipowners and maritime clients. I hold a Master’s degree in Maritime Transportation Management from Istanbul Technical University and a Master’s degree in Publishing from Marmara University. My work is driven by the belief that the maritime world deserves strong, informed, and accessible media representation. I am committed to sharing the stories of maritime professionals and contributing to the sector’s visibility, knowledge exchange, and future development.
