"Thousands of Greek workers and trade union members rallied in central Athens on Tuesday to protest a government bill allowing shifts of up to 13 hours a day. Footage shows protesters marching with banners reading 'The youth says 'No' to 13-hour work', 'Down with the authoritarian bill of the government' and 'No to rights being erased, private disciplinary measures' and chanting slogans as they move toward Parliament. Demonstrators are also seen rallying outside the building, demanding the bill's withdrawal. "The strike is a defiant answer to the government that wants to make workers into modern slaves," stated metalworkers' union leader Sortiris Poulikogiannis, calling for a seven-hour workday, five-day workweek, and fair wage increases. Giorgos Mavrokefalos of the Piraeus Workers Regional Union stressed that only 'strike and constant struggle' secured fair agreements in companies such as COSCO and eFood, adding that mobilisation remained "the only way to break the government and bosses' aggression." A protester warned that the reform would 'increase the level of exploitation' and force workers to 'just work and sleep', calling it a measure designed to boost corporate profits. The demonstration, one of the largest labour mobilisations in recent months, concluded peacefully under police supervision as unions vowed to continue nationwide actions until the proposal is withdrawn. Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis faces growing backlash over a bill extending daily working hours from 8 to 13 in a country already posting some of Europe's longest hours and lowest wages. The government counters that the reform will only impact a certain number of days per year, with 40 percent overtime pay. In recent years, Greece has seen frequent labour protests, particularly in the public health sector, where unions say over 3,000 workers have left since 2023 due to low pay. Labour groups are demanding wage increases and higher state funding, warning of a looming collapse of the national health system."