World News for Students of English

08-07-2024 07:00

Greece has introduced a six-day work week starting July 1 due to staff shortages in various sectors. The new law allows employers to require up to two extra unpaid hours daily in exchange for more free time later, although this additional work is supposedly voluntary. In reality, many workers are forced to work longer hours without compensation. Greek authorities rarely enforce labor laws, and the conservative government prioritizes business needs over workers’ rights. Greek workers already work the longest hours in Europe, averaging 41 hours per week, but with low pay. The new law will allow many sectors to require a six-day work week with a 40% wage supplement for the sixth day. Critics argue this gives employers too much power and undermines workers’ rights, leading to increased safety risks and poor working conditions.

Many Greeks look for work abroad or avoid certain sectors like tourism due to harsh conditions. The law is part of broader labor reforms addressing a shrinking population and a shortage of skilled workers.

Difficult words: shortage (not enough of something or someone), prioritize (to make something more important than other things), address (to deal with an issue or problem).

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