In a new circular due to the heat wave, the Department of Labor provides guidance for workers at businesses operating in areas where, according to the latest National Weather Service forecast data, very high temperatures and elevated levels of discomfort (WBGT) are expected to prevail.

In particular, as stated in the circular entitled “Prevention of heat stress of workers”, in the city of Thessaloniki in the Regional Units of Serres, Halkidiki, Larissa, Karditsa, Trikala, Etoloakarnania, Fthiotida, Boeotia, Achaia, Laconia, as well as the Ionian Islands, eastern Lesvos (Gulf of Gera, Mytilene town), eastern Rhodes and the lowland areas of Evros (Soufli area), the work stoppage becomes mandatory on Tuesday 08.07.2025, during the period 12.00 – 17.00, in manual work performed outdoors, such as work in technical and construction works, construction sites, shipbuilding and repair zones, distribution and transport of products and objects with two-wheeled vehicles, scooters, delivery vehicles, etc.

It is noted that the above cases of mandatory cessation of work include all employees regardless of their type of employment, including digital platforms under Article 68 of Law No. 4808/2021.

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In the event that the measure of the cessation of work for delivery businesses is applied, this applies to all businesses that carry out delivery, whether they maintain a physical store or a digital platform; however, the option of ordering by picking up the user directly from the store/pick-up point (takeaway) may be kept active, as well as the possible possibility of executing the order with vehicles of private and public use, except for all forms of two-wheelers and mopeds, as defined in the provisions of the Road Traffic Code;

As noted in the circular: “The shutdown does not apply to economic activities involving important and socially critical infrastructure in the health, transportation and utility sectors (e.g. Health care facilities, water supply, electricity, air transport, handling, maritime, land and rail transport), provided that the other technical and organizational measures of Circular No. 34666/03.06.2024 “Prevention of heat stress of workers” (IDA: PΓ1N46NΛΔΓ-ΩO6) are taken, including the organization of working time.

No. 4646-N46.24.24, “Workplace safety”.
In case of non-compliance with the obligations of this document, the Labour Inspectorate, under Articles 23 and 24 of the Law on the Protection of Workers’ Health and Safety, will impose a penalty of. 3996/2011 (A’ 170), a fine of two thousand (2,000) euros per employee of the enterprise.

Γ. Provision of remote work through the teleworking system

For employees with a dependent employment relationship in the private sector who belong to high-risk groups (table in Annex 2 of Circular No. 34666/03.06.2024) and especially in cases of exposure to aggravating conditions in the areas of paragraph B of this Circular, enterprises should ensure that they are allowed to work remotely if this is feasible due to the nature of their work.

D. Exceptional measures for the organisation of working time

To counteract the thermal stress of workers in the areas referred to in paragraph B of this circular and to facilitate workers in changing the time of their arrival and departure from work, employers may not register in advance in the P.S. ERGANI any change in the organisation of working time.”