(ANSA-AFP) - ATHENS, JUN 16 - Greece was hit by strikes
Wednesday for the second time in a week ahead of street protests
over a controversial labour law expected to be approved by
parliament later in the day. No ferry services to Greek tourist
islands were available and urban transport in the capital was
disrupted by the 24-hour walkout. Public services were also shut
in opposition to the new law, which promotes working hour
flexibility and sets tougher rules on strikes. The government
says the reform introduces optional working hour flexibility,
sets rules on remote work, improves parental leave and includes
safeguards against workplace sex harassment. A working day of up
to 10 hours is permitted under the reform. The law also aims to
force unions to assure public services during strikes and make
them liable for fines over disruption caused by walkouts. Unions
and opposition parties say the reform undermines collective
bargaining, disrupts employees' personal lives and formalises
overtime exploitation by employers -- especially large
businesses -- which has already been going on for years.
(ANSA-AFP).
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