How is March 25th Paid in Greece?

By law, March 25th is a mandatory holiday, and the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Workers’ & Unemployed Information Center of the Confederation (KEPEA/GSEE) have issued an announcement on March 20, 2025, informing private sector employees about how they will be compensated. This year, March 25th falls on a Tuesday. On mandatory holidays, it is prohibited to employ workers or operate businesses unless they legally operate on Sundays and during mandatory holidays. Specifically, regarding payment for March 25, 2025: For businesses that do not operate, regular daily wages are paid without increase to those paid by the day, while monthly-paid employees receive their usual monthly salary. For businesses that legally operate, workers employed on March 25th receive their regular daily wage plus a 75% increase based on their legal hourly wage for each hour worked if they are paid by the day. Monthly-paid employees in businesses that usually close on Sundays and holidays but exceptionally operate on March 25th are entitled to 1/25 of their usual monthly salary plus an additional 75% increase on their legal daily wage for hours worked. Employees working in businesses that legally operate on Sundays and other holidays only receive a 75% increase calculated on 1/25 of their legal daily wage for hours worked. Important notes include: combining owed rest days with mandatory holidays is not lawful, and if work exceeds 40 hours, additional overtime pay applies alongside holiday pay. The daily wage for March 25th is also due to employees on leave, though the day does not count towards their paid leave days. In cases where more favorable terms exist (e.g., from collective agreements, work regulations, or company practices), these take precedence.