24-Hour General Strike Ends: Athens Returns to Normalcy

Private sector workers concluded their participation in the 24-hour General Strike in Athens today, organised by the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) with a rally in Klathmonos Square, as confirmed by a statement from the Confederation.

Under the banner of "we demand real wage increases, the return of our Collective Agreements, and we demand them now," workers' representatives emphasised the urgent need to address rising costs and eliminate regulations hindering free collective bargaining.

"Together with the unemployed and pensioners, private sector employees once again united their voices against the economic challenges faced by every Greek family," stated the GSEE.

Following speeches at Klathmonos Square, demonstrators marched to the Parliament, delivering a protest resolution as a symbol of their ongoing struggle until their demands are met.

Meanwhile, vehicle traffic in the centre of Athens has resumed to normal levels after all traffic restrictions, imposed due to the protest rallies, were lifted.

On the transportation front, Metro, electric, and tram services in Attica were disrupted as workers joined the GSEE's strike. Unions demanded wage increases beyond the minimum wage, immediate staff recruitment, and the restoration of the National General Collective Labour Agreement.

Bus and trolleybus workers also participated in the strike with work stoppages, affecting services from 09:00 to 21:00. Demands included improved public transport services, collective labor agreements, and increased staffing.

Moreover, taxi owners staged a work stoppage from 05:00 to 15:00, accompanied by a meeting at SATA offices, protesting against taxation, project interference, and multinational corporations.

(Source: Amna)