May Day rally brings Athens to standstill

·

Traffic was gridlocked in parts of Athens and some flights disrupted on Thursday as Greek transport workers joined a 24-hour public sector strike to protest over planned labour legislation.

Unions in Greece say they oppose the government labour bill because it restricts employee rights at a time when workers risk job losses due to the coronavirus pandemic. The government says the changes would give workers more flexibility.

With the subway, trains, public buses at a standstill and ferries to the islands docked at ports, many commuters were forced to drive to work, clogging major traffic arteries into the sprawling city of almost four million.

Members of the communist party-affiliated PAME wearing protective face masks hold red carnations, as they protest during a rally commemorating May Day, in Athens, Greece, Thursday, May 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

State TV ERT journalists also walked off the job on Thursday.

Police estimated about 6,500 striking workers gathered outside parliament, many waving red flags and banners reading ‘we won’t become slaves of the 21st century’.

Greece’s main civil servants union ADEDY, which called a 24-hour strike to coincide with May Day celebrations, says the legislation seeks to raise the eight hour working day to 10 hours, abolish the five-day working week and collective agreements.

“(The bill) constitutes … a direct attack on employees and their rights … at a time when the country is in a deep health and economic crisis largely due to the choices of the government,” ADEDY said in a statement.

Members of the communist party-affiliated PAME wearing protective face masks protest during a rally commemorating May Day, in Athens, Greece, Thursday, May 6, 2021. (AP Photo/Petros Giannakouris)

The government has rejected the claims, saying the changes aimed to increase flexibility for workers and accusing the main political opposition for misrepresenting what it seeks to do.

Government spokeswoman Aristotelia Peloni said the draft legislation tries to address workers’ real problems as labour market changes were taking place fast with digital platforms and work from home modes.

“The only thing this bill does is it tries to give workers and employers a degree of freedom on how to arrange the eight-hour workday,” Development Minister Adonis Georgiadis told Parapolitika radio.

Sourced By: Reuters

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Step into the world of mental health with Georgia Cassimatis’ latest book

Greek Australian author and journalist, Georgia Cassimatis, has released a book all about exploring the world of mental health.

GOCNSW Welfare Service to put a spotlight on cyber security awareness

The Greek Orthodox Community of NSW’s (GOCNSW) Welfare Service has organised three Cyber Security Awareness education and training workshops.

Marriage of a Greek woman abroad: What to watch out for

It is during this registration process that numerous problems arise, which are not dealt with immediately but later on.

Athena Competition Greek winners show olive oil diversity

By Lisa Radinovsky from Greek Liquid Gold. At the 10th anniversary edition of the ATHENA International Olive Oil Competition in Chania, Crete, Greece in May, 175 Greek olive oils...

Greece’s island communities face population crisis

The demographic decline in Greece is hitting its islands hard, with Lemnos and Agios Efstratios showing alarming signs of aging populations.

You May Also Like

Sydney resident Michael Gerondis boosts security amid antisemitic attacks

In response to a rise in antisemitic incidents, former NSW Police's Michael Gerondis has stepped up security around his Vaucluse home.

Shining a light on dementia prevention this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day

This World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Australian government spotlighted dementia prevention, linking to a series of animated videos.

Sydney plastic surgeon Richard Sackelariou faces charges of child sexual abuse

New South Wales plastic surgeon Richard Sackelariou, 69, has been accused of procuring and abusing eight underage girls.