Greece: Unions launch general strike against labor reforms Workers' organizations have called for a rejection of a controversial bill that they fear will dismantle the 8-hour work day. Demonstrations are planned across the country. Workers from shipping, journalism and public transport sectors, among others walked off the job on Thursday as part of a nationwide general strike Large parts of Greece shut down on Thursday as workers across the country joined a general strike to protest a proposed labor reform. The proposed reform — which is being voted on in the Greek parliament next week — has been slammed by unions and left-wing parties as an attack on the 8-hour workday.