Greece Becomes First EU Country to Introduce a Six-Day Working Week
In a move that has stirred both interest and controversy, Greece has become the first European Union country to introduce a six-day working week for certain industries. This significant shift, effective from the start of July, is part of a broader strategy aimed at boosting economic growth and addressing the country's persistent issues with undeclared work and tax evasion. The new legislation permits employees in specific sectors to work up to 48 hours a week, an increase from the previous 40-hour limit. This change, however, is not a blanket imposition across all industries. It specifically targets businesses operating on a 24-hour basis, such as those with continuous operations and rotating shifts. Importantly, participation in this extended work week is optional for employees, who are compensated with an additional 40% pay for the extra hours they work. This policy stands in stark contrast to emerging workplace trends in other parts of Europe and the United St...