Gridlock in Athens as transport staff strike over labour reform

Medical workers wearing protective face masks against the spread of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19), shout slogans during a rally organised by the communist-affiliated trade union PAME commemorating May Day, in Athens, Greece, May 6, 2021. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis

ATHENS (Reuters) - Traffic was gridlocked in parts of Athens and some flights disrupted on Thursday as Greek transport workers joined a 24-hour public sector strike to protest over planned labour legislation.

Unions in Greece say they oppose the government labour bill because it restricts employee rights at a time when workers risk job losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government says the changes would give workers more flexibility.