General strike brings Greece to a standstill

Greece came to a halt on Wednesday as a nationwide strike shut down ferries, trains and public services.

The walkout was sparked by a government proposal to allow shifts of up to 13 hours a day, capped at 48 hours a week including overtime.

The government insists the changes would only apply in limited cases — and include higher overtime pay. But unions say it would erode protections and force workers into exhaustion.

From empty ferry decks to stationary trains, the strike was visible across the country.

"These changes reflect the demands of employers. For workers, the principle remains clear: eight hours to work, eight to rest, and eight for family life," said George, a tourism worker.

For many, it's another blow after years of economic hardship. "Since the financial crisis, living standards have already fallen. Longer working hours add to the pressure on households and daily life," said Spyros, an activist.

Teachers also joined the protests, warning that the reforms will keep parents away from home from dawn until night.

 "It's 2025. Technology and resources should allow for shorter weeks, not longer days. We want hours that let us live decently and spend time with our children," said Natasa, a teacher.

Unions say the dispute is about more than hours. It's about quality of life and whether Greece's recovery will protect workers or place new burdens on them.

As chants echoed through Athens' Syntagma Square, the bill remained under debate.

To supporters, it's modernization. To critics, it's exploitation.