The Ministry of Labor has presented a major new bill that provides for a 10-hour working day four days a week throughout the year, individual contracts with reduced working hours, a 13-hour working day in companies that do not provide a short break, but also a reduction in overtime costs. The 88-article bill, entitled “Fair Work for All”, clarifies significant changes in individual labor law, writes Kathimerini. For example, the period of increased and reduced working hours, i.e. the reference period for determining working hours, can start from one week and go up to 12 months. In practice, this means that, depending on the employer’s needs and provided that the worker (if there is no union or association) agrees, working hours can be organised even on a weekly basis or continuously. It also clarifies the rules on overtime, allowing workers to work up to 13 hours a day by voluntary agreement, with a 40% increase in salary. The limits on weekly and annual working hours remain in force, and workers are explicitly protected from dismissal if they refuse to work overtime. However, overtime can be up to four hours a day for the same employer. The explanatory report accompanying the bill specifies that in cases where rest is provided outside working hours, as is the case in large enterprises in the retail sector, such as supermarkets and industry, the 13-hour working day cannot be applied. The reason is that in these cases 13 hours of work and a 30-minute break exceed the mandatory 11 hours of rest within 24 consecutive hours. The bill also states that employees who work overtime are entitled to remuneration equal to the hourly wage paid.
Greece working hours 10 hours four days salary rate increased by 40% for each hour of legal overtime, up to four hours per day and up to 150 hours per year. As for the organization of working time, it is explicitly stated that the reference period for alternating phases of increased and reduced employment is extended from six to 12 months and cannot be shorter than one week. The ministry says the new provisions will not affect the government’s ongoing dialogue with social partners on strengthening sectoral labour agreements. The bill will remain open for public consultation until September 19.
A new employment model came into effect in Poland on June 30
A serious step towards work-life balance, introducing an experimental model for a 4-day work week without a reduction in wages. The news was announced by INFOR.pl, as the project aims not only to improve the quality of life, but also to offer a solution to the growing demographic crisis in the country. Flexibility for employees and freedom for employers Within the framework of the new model, employees will be able to choose between several options: a reduced week to 4 working days; a working day lasting 6 hours; additional paid days off. Employers, in turn, will have the freedom to decide for themselves how to organize work in their companies, including the possibility of maintaining the five-day work week, but with added days off. Financial support for business The Polish government will provide subsidies of up to 1 million zloty for companies and institutions that need resources to transition to the new work organization. This includes both private companies and government agencies that want to adapt their employees’ schedules. The shorter week as a response to the demographic crisis The authorities believe that shorter working hours will encourage workers to spend more time with their families, which could be key in combating low birth rates and weakened social ties. Poland, which ranks among the countries with the heaviest schedules in the EU, is seeking to change the culture of permanent employment.
What does the European experience show?
Poland is not the first country to undertake such a reform. Belgium has already introduced a four-day week with a fixed number of working hours. France, Spain and the Scandinavian countries are also experimenting with more flexible work arrangements – with promising results for productivity and mental health.
Japan is following suit
In an attempt to tackle the birth rate crisis and a draining work culture, Tokyo is also considering introducing a four-day week for civil servants. The measure aims to support working parents and reduce the workload, which often leads to serious consequences, including the so-called “karoshi” – death from overwork.
Illustrative Photo by Legio Seven by @medialoopers: https://www.pexels.com/photo/chairs-and-table-on-terrace-of-restaurant-in-santorini-greece-6251212/
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First published in this link of The European Times.
