Greek workers staged a 24-hour nationwide strike on Tuesday, disrupting public services and transport, in protest against a controversial new labour law currently under debate in parliament.

The strike has halted most ferry services, severing connections between the mainland and many islands, while public transport in Athens has been significantly reduced.

The protest, led by unions, primarily involved public sector workers and transport employees.

At the heart of the dispute is a draft law that would permit employees to work up to 13 hours a day, for as many as 37 days per year, provided there is mutual agreement between employer and worker.

Lawmakers are debating the bill on Tuesday and Wednesday, with a vote expected soon.

Unions had condemned the proposal, claiming it undermined workers’ rights.

Instead, they are demanding a 35-hour workweek, down from the current 40 hours, as well as increased wages.

In spite of recent signs of economic recovery, Greece still has one of the lowest real wage levels in the European Union.

(dpa/NAN)