Starting on Tuesday, Greek state employees are to work an eight-hour day, making a 40-hour working week. Thus far, a regular week was comprised of 37.5 hours.

Labor unions have called the measure "a severe breach of their rights," local media report. The move taken by the Greek Ministry of Administrative Reform amid the financial crisis is aimed at improving the competitive position of the public sector.

Greece has been provided with a 220-billion-euro aid package by the EU and IMF on condition that it restructures its public spending.

The working week has been increased from 37.5 hours to 40, making it the same as that in the private sector, and applies to all permanent staff in the civil service and local authorities (except in cases where special regulations call for shorter work hours, such as for staff in sanitation).

It is also hoped that the additional work hours will help increase the productivity of services that come into direct and daily contact with the public.