Greek ships remained in port and train services were halted as workers walked off the job on Tuesday to protest against planned labour reforms that include the extension of working hours in the private sector.
The walkout, the second this month by Greece's main public and private sector unions GSEE and ADEDY, was timed to coincide with a vote this week on the conservative government's suggested reforms.
Thousands of striking workers, including teachers, hospital doctors and journalists, rallied in central Athens and marched to parliament as lawmakers debated the bill. Protest rallies were planned in big cities across the country.
The draft law allows private sector employers to seek up to 13 hours of work a day from their staff compared with the current eight hours. It also gives them more flexibility on short-term hirings and amends rules on the distribution of annual leave.
The government says the bill creates a more effective and flexible labour market, allowing employees to work four days a week. It also protects workers from being fired if they refuse to work overtime and extends their benefits, according to the labour minister.
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