Greece's parliament has approved a contested labour bill that would allow 13-hour workdays, despite fierce opposition and nationwide strikes.

The government said it will modernise Greek labour laws, but a spokesperson for the left-wing opposition Syriza party called the bill a "legislative monstrosity".

Under the new law, annual overtime is also capped at 150 hours, and the standard 40-hour week remains in place.

The government insists that the longer workday is optional, only affects the private sector, and can only be applied up to 37 days a year.

Thursday's vote was backed by MPs from the ruling centre-right New Democracy party, with centre-left Pasok party - now the main opposition - voting against the bill, while the left-wing Syriza party abstained.

Unions have staged two general strikes demanding the bill's withdrawal this month that brought public transport and services to a standstill.

Labour Minister Niki Kerameus defended the bill, saying the reforms align Greek legislation with modern labour-market realities, and accused opposition leaders of misleading the public.

The laws will give workers the option to take on additional hours with the same employer for 40% higher pay, while ensuring they cannot be dismissed for refusing overtime.

This complies with European Union working-time rules, which limit the average week to 48 hours including overtime but allow flexibility over 12 months, the government said.

According to officials, the law gives employees the...

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