• Source:JND
Add as a preferred

Greece ground to a halt on Wednesday as thousands of workers held a countrywide strike against government proposals to reform labour legislation to enable long working hours of 13 hours per day. The trade unions' coordinated strike halted public transport, halted flights, and had mass protests in Athens and other major cities. 

Athens' public transport ground to a near-halt, with trains and taxis were unavailable for 24 hours. Buses, the underground, trams, and trolleys cut back services, and ferries were anchored in ports, cutting key links to islands. Teachers, mariners, and other state employees went on strike, taking the impact across the country.

The disturbance was not limited to local travel. Athens International Airport, the primary hub of the country, registered extensive delays and cancellations. International airlines such as Air France, Lufthansa, KLM, British Airways, and Qatar Airways were among those affected, with passengers stranded and travel plans in chaos throughout Europe.

ALSO READ: Nepal's 2-Year-Old Living Goddess: A Life of Divine Isolation And Myths

Workers Push Back Against Labour Reform

At the centre of the unrest is a draft bill permitting employers to ask employees to work up to 13 hours per day for up to 37 days a year, as opposed to the current eight-hour day. The legislation also has provisions for more flexible short-term employment and changes to annual leave in the private sector.

The authorities claim the reforms will turn Greece's labour market modern, competitive, and in line with Europe. Authorities argue the longer hours are voluntary and would provide 40 per cent overtime salaries. They also take note that from July 2024, most workers in retail, industry, and services have already been labouring six days a week with additional pay.

But unions remain unconvinced. “We are here to say no to a monstrous bill,” said Dimitra, a 24-year-old sales assistant protesting in Athens. Another banner read: “No to slavery.” Union leaders warn the reforms will erode hard-won workers’ rights, undermine work-life balance, and open the door to exploitation, particularly in a country still recovering from its decade-long debt crisis.

Nation At Crossroads

The government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has advocated labour flexibility as a means of increasing productivity and drawing investment. Wednesday's strike showed the strength of opposition from employees concerned that reforms will roll back social protections hard-won after decades of austerity.

ALSO READ: Philippines Earthquake: Dramatic Footages Of Bridge Swaying, Historic Church Crumbling After Massive Tremors Hit Cebu | VIDEO