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Greece faces new general strike over 13-hour workday proposal
Athens — Greece was paralyzed by a new general strike on Tuesday as unions protested against a government bill allowing employees, under certain conditions, to work up to 13 hours per day. Metro, tram, and suburban train services were severely disrupted, while rallies took place across major cities ahead of the parliamentary vote on the controversial reform.
The conservative government insists the measure — limited to 37 days per year and based on volunteer participation— aims to offer “flexibility” and boost competitiveness. However, unions and opposition parties denounce it as a “return to the Middle Ages,” warning that many workers won’t be able to refuse such shifts due to imbalanced power relationsin the job market.
Labor Minister Niki Kerameus argues the reform “strengthens workers’ rights while helping businesses operate more efficiently.” Currently, Greece’s standard workday is eight hours, though the average weekly working time of 39.8 hoursalready exceeds the EU average of 35.8 hours, according to Eurostat.