- The strike highlights mounting tensions between labor organizations and the government, reflecting broader concerns about workers’ protections amid ongoing economic reforms.
- Disruptions caused by the strike have affected transportation and essential services, demonstrating the unions’ ability to mobilize significant public support and pressure lawmakers to reconsider the proposed amendments.
Ferries were suspended at Greek ports and train services were disrupted on Tuesday as workers staged a nationwide strike in protest against proposed labor law changes that would extend working hours in the private sector.
The strike, the second this month organized by Greece’s largest public and private sector unions, was timed to coincide with a parliamentary debate and vote expected this week on the government’s amendments to labor regulations.
Workers participating in the strike include hospital doctors, journalists from public broadcasters, and employees from various sectors. A march by protesters is planned to move toward Parliament at noon, signaling growing public dissent over the proposed legislation, reports Al-Rai daily.
Under the proposed bill, employers would gain the ability to extend working hours, exercise greater flexibility in short-term employment, and modify rules regarding annual leave in the private sector.
The Greek government argues that the reforms are necessary to create a more efficient and flexible labor market, asserting that the bill also safeguards employees from being dismissed if they decline to work overtime.
However, trade unions strongly oppose the changes, warning that they would erode workers’ rights, eliminate the eight-hour workday, and weaken collective bargaining power in a country where average wages remain low compared to other European Union nations.
Unions emphasize that despite recent wage increases and falling unemployment after the 2009–2018 debt crisis, workers continue to face economic challenges, and the proposed amendments would worsen conditions for employees across sectors.
The strike highlights mounting tensions between labor organizations and the government, reflecting broader concerns about workers’ protections amid ongoing economic reforms.
Disruptions caused by the strike have affected transportation and essential services, demonstrating the unions’ ability to mobilize significant public support and pressure lawmakers to reconsider the proposed amendments.
As the parliamentary debate approaches, both sides are preparing for a critical week that could determine the future of labor rights and working conditions in Greece.
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