Greek food workers raise the banner of revolt: Nationwide strike set for February 3

Greece’s food industry is on the brink of a nationwide shutdown as food workers prepare for a mass strike on February 3, following a deadly industrial disaster at the Violanta factory. Trade unions warn that unsafe working conditions and employer negligence have turned workplaces into “zones of fear.”

The Hellenic Federation of Milk, Food and Beverage Workers (POEYGTP) announced the strike after a fatal incident at the Violanta facility, describing the tragedy as the final straw in a long chain of preventable workplace accidents.

“This Is Not an Accident — It Is a Crime”

In a strongly worded statement, the federation rejected attempts to frame the incident as an accident.

“This was not an accident. It was a crime,” the union declared.
“Workers are being injured and killed every day due to employers’ obsession with profit. What happened at Violanta is the result of systematic negligence.”

Union representatives say workers across the sector are outraged and fearful, forced to work under dangerous conditions with inadequate safety measures and minimal inspections.

Workers Condemn Lack of Oversight and Safety Measures

Food sector employees accuse the state of weakening labor inspections and allowing employers to ignore basic safety regulations. According to the federation, repeated warnings about unsafe machinery, fire risks, and excessive workloads were left unanswered.

“We want to return home alive,” union officials stated, calling for full transparency and accountability in the investigation into the explosion and fire at the Violanta factory.

February 3: “Life Will Come to a Standstill”

The federation has called on all food industry workers across Greece to walk off the job on February 3, vowing to bring production to a halt. Demonstrations and rallies are expected in major cities nationwide.

The union extended condolences to the families of the workers who lost their lives and wished a speedy recovery to those injured, stressing that the strike is not only about justice for the dead, but about protecting the living.