• The Greek parliament approves a law allowing 13-hour workdays, provoking strikes and protests.
• Opposition parties, including Syriza, denounce the measure as a return to medieval labor practices.
• Labor Minister Niki Kerameus claims the reform is optional and aims to modernize labor regulations.
• Workers express concerns over increased exploitation amid low wages and rising living costs.
• The law allows for longer hours for up to 37 days a year, affecting only the private sector.

Greece's parliament approved a controversial new labor law on October 16, allowing employers to require 13-hour workdays despite significant backlash from trade unions and opposition parties. The law, which the government claims will modernize Greek labor laws, has sparked widespread protests, with many viewing it as a regression in workers' rights. The left-wing Syriza party described the law as a "legislative monstrosity" and refused to participate in the vote, highlighting the fierce opposition the bill has faced, according to SCMP and Reuters.

Labor Minister Niki Kerameus defended the new law, stating it allows for voluntary extended shifts with increased pay of 40% and specifies that it will only be applicable for a maximum of 37 days a year. However, critics argue that it places undue pressure on employees who may fear job loss if they do not comply. Protests across the country have grounded public transport and sparked two general strikes, indicating the law's controversial nature and the prevailing dissent among the workforce, as articulated by Le Monde and BBC.

Supporters of the law emphasize its necessity for enhancing labor market flexibility, especially in the service sector, which is critical during peak tourist seasons. However, unions and many workers contest this rationale, stressing that existing conditions are already strenuous, with Greek workers logging an average of 39.8 hours per week compared to the EU average of around 35.8. The backdrop of rising living costs adds to the anxiety, making the situation increasingly difficult for employees, according to SCMP, Reuters, and BBC.

The Greek economy, which has shown signs of recovery following the devastating sovereign debt crisis from 2009 to 2018, still faces challenges such as low wages and high living costs, constraining workers' purchasing power. As wages in Greece lag behind those in many other European nations, the new law is perceived by some as an initiative designed to advantage employers at the expense of employee welfare, as noted by Reuters and BBC.