Greece's parliament on Wednesday debated a controversial reform proposed by the conservative government, which would allow 13-hour workdays under exceptional circumstances, drawing fire from unions and opposition parties.

Unions have staged two general strikes against the reform this month, the latest on Tuesday, with thousands of workers protesting a bill "worthy of the Middle Ages," according to the left-wing Syriza party.

The government insists that the 13-hour workday is optional, only affects the private sector, and can only be applied up to 37 days a year.

"We are now giving the possibility (to an employee) to perform this extra work for the same employer, without commuting, with increased pay of 40 percent," Labour Minister Niki Kerameus argued in Parliament.

In a country where

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