In a surprising move, Greece has introduced a six-day work week for specific industries, a change that has sparked domestic and international debate. This shift, which began under the new labour laws passed last year, mandates a 48-hour work week. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’s pro-business government defends the policy as a necessary response to the country’s demographic challenges and skilled labour shortages. However, union representatives strongly opposed the decision and labelled the extended workweek “barbaric.”
The introduction of the six-day workweek in Greece raises questions about whether similar measures could be considered in other countries, such as Canada. While some argue that longer work hours might boost productivity, experts like Diana Palmerin-Velasco, senior director on the future of work at the Canadian Chamber of Commerce, say that Canada’s focus should be on more innovative, not longer, work. She emphasizes the need for regulatory modernization, technological investment, and digital transformation to enhance productivity rather than extending work hours.
Canadian labour laws, governed primarily by the Canada Labour Code and provincial regulations, currently stipulate a standard workweek of 40 hours with at least one day of rest. Implementing a six-day work week would require significant legal amendments and is seen as a step backward by many. Moshe Lander, an economics professor at Concordia University, notes that Greece’s decision appears counterintuitive while the world moves towards shorter workweeks. He points out that Canada’s productivity issues are less about the number of workdays and more about a lack of competition in key sectors, which dampens innovation and efficiency.
The article also highlights the growing demand for flexible work arrangements in Canada, particularly in the public sector. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC) has been vocal in its opposition to the government’s recent telework mandate, which requires public sector workers to return to the office three days a week. The union’s stance reflects a broader trend toward prioritizing work-life balance and employee autonomy, a far cry from the rigid structure of a six-day workweek.
Final Thoughts
While Greece’s introduction of a six-day workweek may respond to specific national challenges, the likelihood of Canada adopting a similar policy seems low. Canadian experts and labour organizations are more focused on enhancing productivity through innovation and flexible work arrangements rather than extending work hours. The contrasting approaches underscore countries’ diverse strategies to navigate their unique economic landscapes and labour market challenges.
