Greece: Trade union plan strikes and protests in Athens October 2-4

Event

Several labor unions representing transport, bank, and education workers have called for nationwide strikes and associated protests in Athens from Wednesday, October 2, through Friday, October 4, to oppose a new labor bill. On Wednesday, participants plan to carry out a 24-hour strike, while a civil servants' union has called for a strike from 11:00 (local time) until the end of normal business hours. Metro workers on lines 2 and 3, as well as workers at TrainOSE and Suburban railway, and workers at the Panhellenic Maritime Federation are expected to participate in the 24-hour strike. A trade union is also calling for individuals to gather at Klafthmonos Square at 11:00 on Wednesday, and then march towards parliament. Another trade union has called for a protest at 10:30 on Wednesday at Propylaea.

Additionally, a union representing metro workers has announced a 3-hour work stoppage on Thursday, October 3, between 12:00 and 15:00. A teachers' union has also called for a protest at the Ministry of Education at 13:00 on Friday, as well as a work stoppage between 11:00 and 14:00. The Panhellenic Federation of Railways has said that it will continue its 24-hour strike on Thursday, affecting TrainOSE and Suburban railway services, if an agreement is not reached.

A heightened security presence, as well as significant disruptions to transport and business services, including healthcare and municipal services, are expected during the protests and strikes.

Advice

Individuals in Athens, and Greece more generally, are advised to monitor developments to the situation, anticipate public transportation and business disruptions, plan alternative modes of transportation, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.