- Thousands of workers join a general strike in Greece, protesting high living costs.
- Public services and transportation were severely disrupted across the country.
- Unions demand wage increases, calling for action on inflation and unaffordable housing.
Greece faced widespread disruption on Wednesday as thousands of workers participated in a 24-hour general strike, protesting the high cost of living. Public and private sector employees walked off the job, causing significant delays in transportation, with ferries and public transit services affected.
The strike, supported by medical staff, teachers, and journalists, was organized by unions demanding a raise in wages and better collective agreements that were scaled back during Greece’s financial crisis.
Greece’s General Strike Demonstrates Worker Outrage Over Cost of Living Crisis
Unions have been vocal about their concerns regarding the government’s failure to improve workers’ living conditions since the financial crisis of the 2010s. Many argue that wages have not kept pace with inflation or the cost of housing, leading to widespread discontent. Calls for an increase in the minimum wage and a binding collective agreement have gained traction among protesters.
Esther Lynch, Secretary-General of the European Trade Union Confederation, expressed solidarity with the Greek workers, urging action against the economic policies that have fueled the country’s ongoing wage stagnation. She also criticized the Greek government for not taking adequate steps to support working people, while inflation continues to erode purchasing power.
The general strike serves as a warning to the Greek government, with unions calling for immediate action to tackle the surge in prices and address the housing crisis, both of which have worsened under the current administration. The strike’s timing, coinciding with the budget submission, also underscores the unions’ desire to influence government policy and force a shift in priorities for the upcoming year.
The general strike in Greece signals a mounting frustration with economic policies that fail to address the everyday struggles of workers. With cost of living pressures on the rise, unions are demanding tangible change, seeking better wages and conditions to keep pace with the challenges of inflation and housing.
“We want to showcase the rage and resentment of salaried employees for what is happening to their income.” — Yannis Panagopoulos, Head of the General Confederation of Workers of Greece
