A nationwide general strike in Greece halted trains, ferries and taxis on Wednesday, stranding a number of workers and other people in the country.

The one-day general strike was called in response to proposed changes to labor standards —  including a government plan to allow employers to extend working hours.

No taxis in Athens nor trains will run for the duration of the 24-hour strike. Buses and the city's subway, tram and trolley service are operating on a severely reduced schedule.

Thousands of people, including teachers and seafarers, marched to parliament in Athens after the strike was organized by Greece's largest private and public trade unions.

What are the new labor laws Athens wants to introduce?

The government bill would allow employers to seek up to 13 hours of work a day from their staff, compared with the current eight. 

Under the new regulations, working hours that include overtime would be capped at 48 hours per week, with a maximum of 150 hours of overtime allowed per year.

Additionally, the draft law would also give employers more flexibility on short-term hirings, while amending rules on annual leave in the private sector. The law is expected to be submitted to parliament for its approval this month.

Unions argue the new rules leave workers vulnerable to labor abuses by employers.

Edited by Sean Sinico