Across Greece, a national general strike has caused widespread disruption of public services, leaving ferries docked, flights canceled, and public transportation operating on reduced schedules. Labor unions are demanding an end to the ongoing austerity policies that were enforced on Greece by international lenders about ten years ago.
Hundreds of demonstrators took part in two distinct marches through downtown Athens, with both concluding without incident.
A 24-hour strike was organized by the two primary federations representing employees from both public and private industries.
They are aiming for raises in wages along with a complete restoration of their collective bargaining rights, which were eliminated as part of the measures implemented under the international rescue packages during Greece’s economic crisis.
“We insist on raising all salaries, as they are insufficient to cover expenses even up to the 20th of each month,” stated trade unionist Alekos Perrakis.
We call for prompt actions addressing healthcare, education, and every concern where the well-being of laborers deteriorates as major corporations’ earnings keep increasing.
Commercial flights to and from Greece as well as those within the country were halted from midnight on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday. In Athens, public transportation such as buses, trolleybuses, trains, trams, and the metro operated for limited hours during this period.
The nation is presently grappling with an increase in the cost of living, raising worries that the global financial instability caused by US tariffs might result in additional hardships.
“A statement from the General Confederation of Workers of Greece, the main labor federation for the private sector, noted that the rising cost of living is eroding workers’ earnings, with no concern shown by the government,” they remarked. The group further emphasized that a significant portion of the nation’s populace dedicates over 40% of their income towards accommodation and warmth expenses.
“We are striving for higher wages since all the recently announced raises do not fulfill our requirements. These increments are nullified by the soaring cost of living, which compels us to reduce expenses elsewhere just to make ends meet,” clarified hotel chef Georgios Skoufos.
The overarching federation for the public sector (ADEDY) has demanded raises in wages along with the reinstatement of holiday bonuses for civil servants. These bonuses previously amounted to about two months’ worth of pay but were eliminated as part of the austerity policies included in the bailout agreements.
