Greece: Compensation rules for October 28 public holiday

The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) has released guidelines regarding employee compensation for the upcoming October 28 public holiday, which falls on a Wednesday in 2026. Under Law 4808/2021, October 28 is a mandatory holiday where business operations and employment are generally prohibited, except for sectors legally permitted to operate on Sundays and holidays.

For businesses that remain closed, employees on a five-day work week paid by daily wage will receive one additional daily wage, while monthly salaried employees will receive their full monthly salary without deductions. Employees on a six-day work week paid by daily wage will receive their proportional daily wage.

For businesses that legally operate during the holiday, employees who work are entitled to a 75% pay increase. Daily wage earners receive their usual daily wage plus a 75% increase calculated on their legal hourly rate. Monthly salaried employees are entitled to a 75% increase applied to 1/25 of their legal monthly salary for the hours worked.