Philenews

Police Protest Outside Parliament Over New Work Schedule

Published January 21, 2026, 08:18
Police Protest Outside Parliament Over New Work Schedule

Police officers are gathering outside Parliament since 9:00 AM today, protesting the new work schedule that came into effect on January 1, 2026. Approximately 1,000 police officers are affected by the change, which concerns the 12X36 system and involves a one-hour reduction in daily working hours. The protest is taking place ahead of today's discussion in the Parliamentary Legal Committee, where the issue will be examined. The Chief of Police, Themistos Arnautis, has been summoned to answer questions from MPs. Trade unions are strongly reacting, speaking of increased strain on rest and a loss of income estimated at around 1,000 euros per year for each police officer. According to the decision, police officers working under the new schedule will have 4.7 rest days per year, compared to 19.5 previously. This translates to 15 additional working days per year. Union representatives are seeking to pressure for a reversal of the decision, having held meetings with representatives of parliamentary parties. The Chief of Police has argued that the reduction in daily working hours will allow the service to utilize personnel for more days throughout the year, primarily in policing duties. However, police officers disagree and believe the change will have negative consequences on their quality of life and work efficiency.