Greece is bracing for widespread industrial action as workers from both the public and private sectors plan to participate in a series of strikes called by major unions. The strikes, organized by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Supreme Administration of Greek Civil Servants Trade Union (ADEDY), are set to impact various sectors and disrupt daily life.

Media Strike: November 19

Journalists and media professionals will begin their 24-hour strike at 5:00 AM on Tuesday, November 19, and conclude it at 5:00 AM on Wednesday, November 20. The strike, announced by the Journalists’ Union of Athens Daily Newspapers (ESIEA), will silence media outlets for the day.

General Strike: November 20

The main strike will occur on Wednesday, November 20, as public and private sector workers join forces.

Transportation Disruptions

The transport sector will be heavily affected:

  • Buses and Trolleys: Workers will halt operations from the start of their shift until 9:00 AM and again from 9:00 PM until the end of their shift.
  • Metro (Lines 2 and 3): Limited service will operate only from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM to facilitate demonstrators’ travel.
  • Trams and Train (Line 1): Final decisions on their participation are pending.
  • Railways: Train operators, including suburban lines, will strike, with only limited service provided by safety staff.
  • Thessaloniki Buses: Only 50 buses will operate, ensuring minimal service, such as airport routes and support for individuals with disabilities.

Maritime and Health Sector Participation

  • Ferries: Ships will remain docked, following the decision of the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) to participate in the strike.
  • Healthcare: Hospital doctors, represented by the Federation of Hospital Doctors’ Associations of Greece (OENGE), will join the strike to highlight chronic understaffing and resource issues.

Broader Participation

The strike is also supported by federations of construction workers, private educators, bank employees, and more. Public sector workers are rallying under ADEDY, demanding wage increases, restoration of holiday bonuses, collective bargaining rights, and better public services. Protesters will gather at 11:00 AM in Klafthmonos Square in Athens, while similar rallies will occur nationwide.

Key Demands

The strikes aim to address several pressing issues, including:

  • Inflation and high living costs.
  • Wage increases.
  • Repealing labor laws perceived as regressive.
  • Investment in public healthcare and education systems.
  • Improved working conditions and measures to address workplace hazards.

Union leaders have criticized the government for failing to implement policies to support workers’ purchasing power and address labor market inequalities. GSEE emphasized the need for structural reforms, including social housing programs and collective bargaining rights.