ATHENS, Greece — A 24-hour general strike disrupted Greece on Wednesday, halting flights, docking ferries, and scaling back public transport as unions demanded an end to decade-old austerity policies.
Called by the nation’s top public and private sector unions, the strike seeks higher wages and the restoration of collective bargaining rights lost during Greece’s financial bailouts.
From midnight Wednesday to midnight Thursday, all commercial flights were canceled, while Athens’ buses, trolleys, trains, trams, and subway ran on limited schedules. Public services also shuttered across the country.
Amid a spiking cost of living and fears of economic fallout from U.S. tariffs, unions voiced frustration. “Workers’ incomes are being devoured by rising costs, with no government response,” said the General Confederation of Workers of Greece, noting that over 40% of many citizens’ earnings go to housing and heating. ADEDY, the public sector union, also called for the return of holiday bonuses—worth two months’ pay—axed during the crisis.
Protests are set to unfold Wednesday morning with three marches in central Athens and rallies in other cities.