Greeks strike against 13-hour workday reform

Transport and services in Greece were disrupted Tuesday for the second time this month as unions staged a 24-hour walkout against government plans to introduce an optional 13-hour workday.

The mobilization will shut down public and municipal services and paralyse ferries and trains, but flights are unaffected.
Urban transport in Athens will also operate on reduced hours.

Protests are scheduled in Athens and other major cities during the day.

The government has said the 13-hour workday, to be voted into law Wednesday, is optional but opposition parties and unions argue that workers will risk layoffs if they refuse longer hours.

Another general strike on the issue was held October 1.

“This (law) strengthens employees and facilitates businesses,” Labour Minister Niki Kerameus told SKAI TV on Tuesday.

It broadens benefits for working mothers and allows staff to negotiate a four-day working week, she said.

The legal working day in Greece is eight hours, with the possibility of performing paid overtime.

Greece has already legalized a six-day working week, especially during high demand in certain sectors including tourism.