Greece is once again grappling with a relentless series of heat waves. Athens, the capital, is becoming an urban furnace. The concrete and marble streets trap heat, making outdoor conditions unbearable and providing little relief in the evenings. In cities such as Thessaloniki (where humidity levels are high), Patras or Larissa, the situation can be even more challenging.
Greece has always been very hot in summer, but climate change has intensified and prolonged heat waves. Rising temperatures have transformed what were once challenging working conditions into dangerously unsafe environments. Despite repeated calls from unions, the Greek government has been slow to pass binding regulations that address the escalating risks posed by extreme heat.
Unions across Greece are demanding robust protective regulations with strict enforcement. The General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE), an peak body representing private-sector workers, has called on the Ministry of Labor to introduce provisions including requirements for employers to provide drinking water, mandatory cessation of work during a heat wave, and reduced work hours during the hottest parts of the day. They also call for stronger inspections and penalties to ensure compliance.
However, the government's response has been tepid. Last year, the Ministry of Labor issued a temporary decree banning outdoor work from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. if temperatures exceeded 40°C (104°F) between only July 17 and 19 – action limited to that specific heat wave, leaving workers unprotected against the next weather event. It was also poorly enforced, meaning many workers continued to work in dangerous conditions.
This year, there has been a relaxation of the mandatory measures, with the thresholds for mandatory work shutdowns remaining at a high level.
Read more: Greek workers demand protection from heat waves | etui