Greek Unions Lead Massive Strike Against Austerity and Low Wages

The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY) carried out a powerful display of labor solidarity as public and private sector unions launched the 24 hour general strike. This was due to the long-standing austerity, stagnant wages and rising living costs which is becoming the burden to the Greek workforce. As the air traffic controllers merged themselves into the rally, all the commercial flights which were scheduled to, from and within Greece were cancelled causing a huge chaos in the air transport.

Meanwhile, Ferry services across the country were suspended due to participation of the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) and the public transport were reportedly operated in a limited schedule in Athen which also caused huge disruptions in the capital. Let us look into the demands of their strike,

• Return of holiday bonus that was eliminated during the financial crisis.
• Increased wages.
• Reinstatement of collective bargaining rights.
• Demand to increase the minimum wage.

Though the government decided to increase the wage as per the demand and request of the workers which are aimed to bring them closer to the EU levels. But it has been resisted due to fiscal limitations. This strike symbolise and serves as a reminder about the growing aftermath of austerity and to bring a fair economic policies