August 15 Holiday: Detailed Pay for Those Who Work Clarified by EU

The European Union, through its Workers' Information Center (KEPEA/EE), has detailed how private sector employees will be compensated if they work on the mandatory August 15 holiday. In 2026, this holiday falls on a Saturday, a day typically off for many.

According to Greek law, August 15 is a mandatory holiday, and work is generally prohibited. However, businesses legally permitted to operate on Sundays and holidays can employ staff. For employees on a five-day work week who do not work on August 15, those paid daily wages will receive an extra day's pay. Monthly salaried employees will receive their regular salary.

Employees working on August 15, whether paid daily or monthly, are entitled to specific bonuses. Daily wage earners will receive their usual daily pay plus a 75% increase for hours worked. Monthly salaried employees will receive a 75% bonus, calculated as 1/25th of their legal monthly salary for the hours worked.

The EU also stressed that entitled days off cannot be offset against mandatory holidays. If work on August 15 extends beyond the standard 40 weekly hours, employees are also eligible for overtime pay in addition to holiday bonuses. For those on leave, daily wage earners receive their August 15 pay without it counting as a leave day.