Protest in Gümülcine against new labor bill
Workers’ unions and social groups once again took to the streets of Komotini on Tuesday, October 14, expressing strong opposition to the new labor bill introduced for debate and voting in the Greek Parliament. The demonstration was held as part of the nationwide general strike declared by GSEE (General Confederation of Greek Workers) and ADEDY (Civil Servants’ Confederation).
Participants argued that the bill further deregulates the labor market and called for its immediate withdrawal, marching through the city center to voice their demands.
Union Leaders’ Reactions
Georgios Chatziathanasiou, President of the Komotini Labor Center, said that workers are striking once again in October because the government is bringing forward what he called a “disgraceful labor bill” proposed by Minister Niki Kerameus.
He emphasized that the protest aims to stop the introduction of a 13-hour workday, greater flexibility in employment, and the weakening of collective bargaining rights—the only means, he noted, through which employees can truly gain power and secure wage increases.
He also called for a reduction of the working week to 37.5 hours as a foundation for improving job quality.
Yiannis Kyriakidis, President of ENIDYK, described the legislation as an “anti-labor monstrosity” that the government refuses to withdraw despite strong condemnation from workers and unions during previous strikes, including the one on October 1.
He stressed that employees will continue to protest “even if the bill passes,” to prevent its implementation, saying it “buries workers’ rights to life and personal time.”
Michalis Vassiliadis, President of ELME Rhodopi (Secondary Education Teachers’ Union), reiterated his opposition to the proposed 13-hour workday.
He said educators continue to fight daily for the restoration of the 13th and 14th monthly salaries, the abolition of the disciplinary framework law, and the improvement of working conditions in schools.
“Both the public and private sectors are fighting side by side against the new labor bill,” he noted.
Finally, Giorgos Triantafyllopoulos, President of the Rhodopi branch of ADEDY, declared that the strike sends a clear message to the government:
“We will not go a century backward and we will not renounce the rights and achievements won through struggle and sacrifice.”
Public servants, he added, continue to demand the restoration of the 13th and 14th salaries, increased border-area allowances, and the reinstatement of incentives for employees who serve in remote or border regions.
