John O'Brennan, professor of EU Law from Ireland's Maynooth University, wrote on X: "Greek people already work the longest hours per week in Europe. Now they may be forced to work a sixth day, after this Greek decision."

"It is ridiculous, set against the move to four day weeks in most civilized countries," he added.

Giorgos Katsambekis, an economics and political lecturer at UK's Loughborough University, called the move a "major step back," according to the network.