Greek unions strike, seek return to pre-pandemic work rules

Widespread strikes in Greece have brought public transport and other services to a halt as the country’s largest labor unions protested employment reforms they argue will make flexible workplace changes introduced during the pandemic more permanent

ATHENS, Greece -- Widespread strikes in Greece brought public transport and other services to a halt Thursday as the country’s largest labor unions protested employment reforms they argue will make flexible workplace changes introduced during the pandemic more permanent. The 24-hour protest also disrupted public hospitals and ferry services to the Greek islands. Large demonstrations were held in Athens and Thessaloniki, Greece's second-largest city, as well as other cities and towns. No violence was reported. Greece’s center-right government says the draft legislation currently being debated in parliament will allow greater flexibility within the work week and also modernize regulations to grant new fathers longer paternity leave.