Born and raised in Cyprus, I've always been proud of my close ties to our neighbour, Greece. With numerous friends located in Athens, I've been able to witness firsthand the impact uncontrolled anarcho-capitalism can have on a society. The introduction of a six-day working week for certain industries, new legislation rolled out at the start of July allowing employees to work up to 48 hours a week instead of the formerly regular 40, is a manifest testament of that.

Living in the UK, I have become accustomed to a fair labour market, one that promotes a balanced lifestyle for the average middle-class individual. Feelings of deep concern and dismay are evoked by the fact that my friends back home now might need to potentially sacrifice their wellbeing and family time for the sake of an economy they didn't damage.

This is not merely a Greek issue; it's a labour rights issue affecting all workers on a global scale. History proves that enforcing longer hours does not necessarily equate to increased productivity. In fact, according to a Stanford University study, productivity per hour declines sharply when a person works more than 50 hours a week. After 55 hours, productivity drops so much that putting in any more hours would be pointless.

The labour market should enrich our lives, not exploit them. Every worker deserves a balanced lifestyle, which includes ample rest and leisure time. Standing up against these unfair labour practices in Greece tackles the root of an issue that could potentially spread to other economies. We must voice our concerns about the six-day workweek, bring this issue to light, and ensure fair labour practices worldwide.

Please, sign this petition to join the fight against exploitative working hours in Greece and elsewhere.