Canadian Experts Analyze Greece’s Introduction of Six-Day Work Week

Canada is closely observing Greece‘s implementation of a six-day work week, beginning on July 1, to address economic challenges such as a shortage of skilled workers and a shrinking population, which experts term a ‘ticking time bomb’.

Mark Colgate, an associate dean at the University of Victoria‘s Gustavson School of Business, views the move as a potential solution to productivity struggles faced by both Greece and Canada. Colgate highlights that while countries are grappling with increasing productivity demands, innovative measures like Greece’s new law could be beneficial.

The recent legislation in Greece allows employees at 24-hour private businesses to extend their workweek or add two extra hours per day, with an additional 40% wage for voluntary extra hours.

Colgate reveals worker exploitation as a possible concern if the optional extra hours transition into compulsory expectations, posing ethical and labor rights issues.

Addressing the possibility of Canada adopting a similar system, Colgate acknowledges the need for creative solutions to combat productivity challenges, emphasizing that avoiding necessary changes could potentially hinder a nation’s competitiveness.

Bank of Canada governor Tiff Macklem echoes Colgate’s apprehensions, citing the urgent need for dialogues across various sectors to drive productivity growth in Canada.