Thousands of public sector workers in Greece participated in a strike last Thursday, protesting against a proposed new labor law submitted in the Hellenic Parliament. This included a diverse range of workers such as doctors, transport staff, and firefighters.
The contentious labor law, yet to garner parliament’s approval, allegedly permits employers to dismiss employees within their first year of work without giving a warning or providing compensation. The proposed law also includes a provision requiring workers to face fines or even serve a six-month jail term for work stoppages and strikes. It further allows full-time employees to take on a second part-time job that may extend their daily working hours to thirteen, with the potential for a six-day work week.
As a countermeasure to these impending legal changes, a one-day nationwide strike was organized by the Confederation of Greek Civil Servants’ Trade Unions (ADEDY), and received active participation from other unions such as the All Workers Militant Front (PAME).
Consequently, public services saw a significant slowdown, with reduced services on trains and buses, limited emergency staff in hospitals, and several schools closing for the day. Many strikers took their protest to the streets of Athens, marching towards Parliament and delivering speeches delineating their opposition to lawmakers. In a statement on X (formerly Twitter), PAME expressed that the successful strike was a clear signal for more vehement struggles against what they refer to as ‘modern slavery’ plans. They also expressed gratitude to unions across the globe for expressing solidarity.
Despite the strong opposition, the new labor law passed in Parliament by a majority vote of 158 to 142 on Saturday, with the New Democracy Party’s votes tipping the balance in favor.
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