Politis

Clash over Overtime and Days Off - Conflict in the Police Force Regarding Changes Effective January 1st

Published December 31, 2025, 05:15
Clash over Overtime and Days Off - Conflict in the Police Force Regarding Changes Effective January 1st

A major clash is brewing between the Police leadership and the unions representing police officers, triggered by changes to working hours, overtime, and days off. The new regulations, announced by Police Chief Themistocles Arnautis as part of the new policing model for 2030, include reducing the continuous working hours from 12 to 11 for those working the 12X36 system, as well as providing a day off as compensation for extra hours. The Police Chief argued that these changes will lead to better utilization of human resources and increased operational efficiency, assuring that police officers' salaries will not be reduced. He pointed out that working hours were reduced in 2019, but only for office staff, and the goal is for all police officers to work their scheduled hours. However, the unions strongly oppose the changes, believing they will burden police officers and create problems in the smooth functioning of the Force. The disagreement mainly focuses on the redistribution of working hours and the provision of days off, as well as the potential impact on operational readiness. The changes are scheduled to take effect on January 1st, 2026, which intensifies the tension between leadership and unions. Discussions and possible mobilizations are expected to follow in order to find a compromise solution that satisfies both sides.