Nationwide Strike Paralyzes Greece Over Proposed 13-Hour Workday Law

A nationwide general strike in Greece disrupted transportation and public services as workers protested proposed labor law changes introducing shifts up to 13 hours a day, capped at 48 hours per week including overtime. Unions argue these changes erode worker protections, increase vulnerability to employer abuse, and threaten work-life balance, with many fearing exhaustion and unsafe working conditions. The government defends the reforms, stating they will include safeguards and increase overtime pay, aiming to modernize labor regulations and boost hiring flexibility. Demonstrators expressed concerns over longer hours worsening living standards after years of economic hardship, emphasizing the need for decent working hours to preserve family life. The strike caused significant disruption in major cities like Athens and Thessaloniki, highlighting tensions between Greece's economic recovery efforts and workers' rights. Critics, including unions and labor experts, warn the changes could lead to burnout, accidents, and a decline in quality of life for Greek workers.