Workers are protesting against a government plan to approve new labor reforms that include extending working hours in the private sector, according to Western media. This is the second protest within one month, called for by the largest labor unions in both the public and private sectors. The strike coincides with the parliament’s discussion of the draft law that includes the proposed amendments to labor laws, in preparation for voting on it during the current week. Protesters say the proposed reforms will undermine workers’ rights and increase living burdens, while the government believes the aim is to modernize the labor market and improve productivity amid the economic challenges facing the country. The new labor law allows work shifts to be 13 hours long, among other things.
