# Greek seasonal firefighter labor disputes and compensation

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-seasonal-firefighter-labor-disputes-and-compensation
> Updated: 2026-08-10T15:48:59.000Z. Sources: 16. Developments: 2.

Minister of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection Evangelos Tournas signed a decision to increase working hours for seasonal firefighters to provide financial coverage for overtime during the fire season. The measure allocates over 3 million euros to cover additional hours, including 156 overtime hours, 60 hours for Sundays and holidays, and 204 night hours. Specifically, the total additional expenditure of 3,043,900 euros includes 1,491,900 euros for night and holiday work and 1,552,000 euros for overtime.

Concurrently, seasonal firefighters in the Peloponnese region held a protest in Tripoli. Wearing black armbands to honor deceased colleagues and using the slogan ‘fires are not seasonal,’ the group is demanding year-round 12-month employment, the removal of recruitment age limits, and the ability to utilize their experience throughout the entire year. Protesters also called for equal treatment. A larger demonstration is planned for August 31 at the Maximos Mansion in Athens.

## Claims

- Minister Evangelos Tournas signed a decision to increase the working hours of seasonal firefighters. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The Ministry of Climate Crisis and Civil Protection announced the increase in working hours for seasonal firefighters. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The government increased the working hours for seasonal firefighters to cover overtime during the fire season. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Each seasonal firefighter receives an additional 156 overtime hours, 60 hours for Sundays and holidays, and 204 night hours. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The total additional cost for the measure is 3,043,900 euros. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Of the total cost, 1,491,900 euros are for night work and holidays, and 1,552,000 euros are for overtime. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Seasonal firefighters in the Peloponnese region held a demonstration in Tripoli. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Demonstrating firefighters are demanding equal treatment, 12-month employment, and the removal of age limits in recruitment. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-10: Greece increases working hours for seasonal firefighters

Greece has increased working hours and overtime pay for seasonal firefighters by €3 million, amid protests from staff demanding year-round employment and permanent status.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-increases-working-hours-and-pay-for-seasonal-firefighters

### 2026-08-08: Greece: Wage guidelines for August 15 holiday

GSEE has released compensation guidelines for the August 15 holiday in Greece, which falls on a Saturday in 2026, detailing specific wage increases for private sector employees.

8 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greece-labor-regulations-for-august-15-public-holiday

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Cite as: Greek seasonal firefighter labor disputes and compensation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-seasonal-firefighter-labor-disputes-and-compensation