Greece: General strike May 17 /update 1

Event

Several trade unions from both the public and private sectors have called for a 24-hour nationwide strike on Wednesday, May 17, to protest against austerity measures. A demonstration is set to take place in central Athens on May 17, and another is expected to take place in Thessaloniki. Protests could potentially turn violent and cause traffic disruptions.

On a related note, a 48-hour strike by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) from Tuesday, May 16, at 00:01 (local time) to May 17 at midnight will suspend all ferry services across Greece.

Context

The strike will coincide with a parliamentary vote on a series of reform measures including tax increases and pension cuts. The Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY) and the main private sector union, the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), first issued the call for a general strike and were quickly joined by the Hellenic Federation of Private Sector Employees (OIYE) and the Public Hospital Workers Union (POEDIN).

Strikes and protests are common in Greece, where social tensions have been fueled by deep austerity measures implemented by national authorities and required by the country’s creditors (the European Commission, European Central Bank, and International Monetary Fund) in order to tackle the country's enormous public debt.

Advice

Individuals in Greece are advised to keep abreast of the situation, to avoid all protests as a precaution, and expect public offices and business closures. 

Travelers planning to use Greek ferries on May 16 or 17 are advised to contact their maritime transport company for more information.