Reaction to disciplinary actions against union activity in Eastern Macedonia and Thrace
The employee unions of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region have strongly condemned what they describe as an attempt to restrict union freedoms. They have called on the regional administration to immediately reconsider its actions.
The administration of the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region is facing intense criticism from employee unions after summoning the president and general secretary of the Evros Regional Unit Employees’ Association for questioning. The summons was reportedly issued in response to a union statement that criticized the decision to outsource part of the mosquito control project to a private company.
Union representatives argue that the administration’s reaction constitutes a serious violation of trade union freedoms. In a statement, they emphasize that labeling the highlighting of service deficiencies as "malicious criticism" is unacceptable and dangerous, as it infringes upon employees' fundamental right to freely express their opinions.
Dimitrios Pagonidis, president of the Evros Regional Unit Employees’ Association, and General Secretary Filipia Kochliaridou are now called to defend their right to free trade union activity. Employee unions across the Eastern Macedonia and Thrace Region have expressed their opposition to the disciplinary process, urging the administration to immediately halt actions that limit trade union freedoms. They insist that the focus should be on addressing the real challenges faced by public services.
In their statement, the unions make it clear that such practices will not succeed in instilling fear among employees. On the contrary, they stress that trade union activity will continue dynamically, aiming to resolve issues and strengthen regional services, which are already suffering from staff and resource shortages.
The press release concludes by urging the regional administration to show empathy towards its employees and focus on resolving the actual problems faced by public services rather than resorting to disciplinary measures that only worsen the situation.
