New strike hits public transport in Greece

Greece’s largest union staged a 24-hour walkout on Wednesday, affecting public transport and ferry services to the islands.

The General Confederation of Greek Workers called the strike to protest the cost of living, demanding higher wages and the restoration of collective bargaining. The action disrupted ferry services to the Aegean and Ionian islands, as well as the Athens metro. Police estimated that around 4,000 people also demonstrated in central Athens in support of the strike. Hospital doctors also went on strike, while taxis and buses held work stoppages in solidarity.

Another civil servant strike has been called for May 21. This marks the second such strike in six weeks, with social discontent against the conservative government of Kyriakos Mitsotakis mounting less than a year after the re-election of his New Democracy party. Union leaders have criticized ongoing labour market deregulation and low wages at a time when the economy is growing. However, the ruling party remains ahead of the opposition in the polls, less than two months before the June 9 European Parliament elections.