How Workers Are Compensated for Working on May 1st in Greece

The upcoming May 1, 2026, holiday presents a welcome long weekend for workers across Greece, as it falls on a Friday this year. This alignment of the public holiday with the end of the week offers an ideal opportunity for short breaks and getaways, a welcome respite for many.

Although officially designated as a voluntary holiday, May 1, known as Labor Day or Protomagia, is treated as a mandatory public holiday in practice through a decision by the Ministry of Labor. Consequently, most businesses are prohibited from operating, and employees are generally not permitted to work. However, exceptions exist for businesses that are legally permitted to operate on Sundays and other public holidays, such as those in the health, tourism, and transportation sectors, as well as continuous operation factories.

The article provides a clear breakdown of compensation for those who do work on May 1. Daily wage earners who do not work will receive their standard daily wage without any increase. If they do work, they are entitled to their usual daily wage plus a 75% surcharge calculated on their legal hourly wage for the hours worked. For monthly wage earners, if their business operates on May 1, they will receive only a 75% surcharge on their legal hourly wage for the hours worked. If the business is normally closed but operates exceptionally on May 1, they will receive this 75% surcharge in addition to an extra day's wage (based on their paid wage) for the hours they worked.

From the perspective of Ta Nea, this information is crucial for Greek workers to understand their rights and entitlements regarding public holidays. While international news might focus on global labor movements or economic indicators, our coverage prioritizes practical information relevant to the daily lives of our readers. The detailed explanation of compensation clarifies potential ambiguities and ensures workers are aware of how they should be remunerated if required to work on this significant day. This focus on workers' rights and practical guidance reflects Ta Nea's commitment to serving the Greek public with timely and essential information.