The Ministry of Labour and Social Security is activating emergency measures to protect private-sector workers from the extreme weather forecast for Monday 2 November 2026.
Specifically, certain outdoor work must cease in areas expected to be hit by severe weather, while businesses are also being advised to introduce remote working wherever this is organisationally feasible.
The measures apply to the Dodecanese regional unit, Corfu and the coastal areas of the Epirus regional unit, according to the National Meteorological Service’s updated Emergency Bulletin of Dangerous Weather Phenomena.
Which work must cease
Specifically, manual work carried out outdoors must cease on Monday 2 November 2026 between 14:30 and 18:00.
Work covered by the compulsory suspension includes, but is not limited to:
- Work on engineering and construction projects.
- Work on construction sites.
- Work in shipbuilding and ship-repair zones.
- Delivery and transport of products and items by two-wheeled vehicle, scooter or roller skates.
- Any other comparable manual work outdoors.
The requirement applies to all workers, regardless of their type of employment, including those working through digital platforms, in accordance with Article 68 of Law 4808/2021.
Which activities are exempt
Economic activities involving important and socially critical infrastructure in the health, transport and utilities sectors are exempt from the compulsory suspension of work.
Specifically, the exemptions include:
- Healthcare facilities.
- Water and electricity services.
- Air transport and handling services.
- Maritime transport.
- Road and rail transport.
The exemption applies on condition that all necessary measures are taken to protect workers’ health and safety, including the provision of appropriate personal protective equipment, in accordance with current legislation.
Fine of €2,000 per worker
Businesses that fail to comply with the requirement to suspend work face particularly strict penalties.
Under the circular, if the specified obligations are not met, the Labour Inspectorate will impose a fine of €2,000 for each employee of the business, under Articles 23 and 24 of Law 3996/2011.
Advice to allow remote working
The Ministry of Labour is also advising private businesses operating in areas expected to be particularly badly affected by the extreme weather to introduce remote working wherever this is organisationally feasible.
The aim is to limit workers’ exposure to dangerous weather conditions and ensure that businesses can continue operating without disruption wherever possible.
Flexibility over arrival and departure times
Exceptional arrangements are also being introduced for the organisation of working hours.
Specifically, employers in areas expected to be particularly badly affected by the weather may, to accommodate workers if their arrival or departure times change, refrain from registering each related change to working-time arrangements in advance in the ERGANI Information System.
The circular is signed by the Secretary-General for Labour Relations, Nikolaos Milapidis.