New Labor Bill Introduces On-Demand Hiring, Longer Work Hours, and Higher Net Pay

Presented by Minister of Labour Nikos Kerameos on June 30, 2025, the new labor bill aims to revolutionize Greece’s employment landscape. The reform can be summarized in three key points: faster hiring processes, increased working hours, and higher net earnings for employees. By eliminating bureaucratic hurdles, the bill allows companies to hire workers on-demand — even for as short as two days — via SMS communication leading to an on-demand employment contract. One of the most significant changes includes allowing up to 13 working hours per day with a single employer, provided that rest periods and weekly hour limits are respected. Additionally, the bill extends social security contribution exemptions for overtime pay not only for standard contracts but also for those under collective agreements. Among other major provisions, the legislation simplifies hiring notifications from four documents down to one, introduces a centralized digital file system through myErgani, and proposes a mobile app for employers to manage all labor-related issues efficiently. Other key features include expedited hiring for urgent business needs via mobile apps, elimination of redundant paperwork already submitted electronically, and enhanced policies addressing workplace violence, harassment, and internal reporting mechanisms. Employees will benefit from greater flexibility in distributing annual leave, the ability to self-declare resignation via ERGANΗ II, and strengthened protections against unjustified salary reductions post-digital work card implementation. Maternity and parental benefits have also been expanded, including coverage for adoptive mothers and multi-fund insured employees. Lastly, the bill offers relief on social security contributions for overtime and bonuses, while halting increases in pensioner solidarity contributions when additional pension benefits apply.