Changes to the labour framework, with an emphasis on flexibility, digitalisation, and simplification of procedures, are foreseen in the new draft law to be presented by the Minister of Labour and Social Insurance, Niki Kerameos, at the June cabinet meeting.

Among other things, the possibility of working up to 13 hours a day for the same employer is introduced, as well as overtime work for workers on a rotational employment scheme, provided that the law’s limits on daily rest and weekly working hours are respected.

As Kathimerini reports, the regulations are part of a broader strategy of digital transformation of the labour market, aiming to reduce bureaucracy, enhance flexibility for businesses, and protect workers. The changes were also announced by Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis at the recent event of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry at Zappeion.

13 hours of work per day – Conditional

Currently, the framework allows working up to 12 hours a day only with two employers.

Under the new regulation, this limit will apply to a single employer, subject to the strict condition that:

– the daily rest period of 11 hours is observed,

– the weekly limit of 40 hours + 5 or 8 hours of overtime is not exceeded.

The current maximum of 12 hours of work per day is extended to 13 hours, with an additional hour of overtime (at a 40% premium).

Over time on rotating work

For the first time, overtime is allowed for employees on rotational work, with corresponding increases. The regulation is particularly targeted at sectors such as catering, which have increased needs on certain days (e.g. weekends or tourist season).

Typical example: a seaside tavern that employs a worker on a rotational basis for three days a week will be able to employ him/her overtime with a legal 40% increase.

Postal recruitment and abolition of forms

Significant breakthrough brings simplification of recruitment:

The recruitment announcement will now be made with a single document instead of four.

A digital employee file is being created, where all data and supporting documents will be collected.

The permission book, E11, E4 forms, and the obligation to keep forms in physical form are abolished.

Application of myErgani and fast-track recruitment

A special mobile phone application is introduced for employers to process obligations quickly.

A fast-track mobile recruitment process is provided for emergency needs, lasting up to two days.

Contract termination will be able to be declared without a signature, with the employee accepting it digitally through the myErgani application.