Workers go on 24-hour general strike

With the call of the Greek Confederation of Trade Unions (GSEE), workers across the country went on a 24-hour strike demanding improvement in economic conditions.

In a statement, GSEE drew attention to the rising cost of living and demanded an increase in workers' salaries and the renewal of collective bargaining agreements cancelled during the economic crisis.

Public transport vehicles such as metro, tram and suburban trains were not in service as part of the 24-hour strike called by the GSEE across the country. Sea transport was also interrupted. Buses, on the other hand, decided to operate only at certain hours.

Within the framework of the strike, workers organised a demonstration in the capital Athens. In the demonstration, the workers, who expressed their demands such as salary increase and collective labour agreement, marched to the Parliament building.

Shipyard worker Stelyos Danis said in a statement: "Today we are here as all workers to fight for our rights against the cost of living, low wages and unemployment in the country. Big businesses are closing down for shipyards. Businesses with 2,500 to 3,000 employees now work with only 50 staff. We are fighting for a better future, to raise our children in better conditions than our own."

Support for Palestine in action

In the protest march, those who opposed the Israeli attacks chanted slogans "Freedom for Palestine" with Palestinian flags in their hands.

"Today, on the occasion of the general strike of the Greek trade unions, which stands against the cost of living and demands an increase in salaries, we had the opportunity to demonstrate for Palestine against the genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza and to ask for the solidarity of the peoples," said Abu Assam Mohammed, a member of the Palestinian Association of Greece.

AA