Greece: Trade unions schedule protest in Athens October 24 /update 1

Event

Several trade unions have called on its supporters to protest in Athens on Thursday, October 24, to oppose the government's development bill. Participants plan to gather at 11:00 (local time) outside the WTO-OTA offices in Pl. Karaiskaki. The ADEDY trade union has called for another demonstration later in the day at 17:00 at Pl. Klafthmonos. The demonstrations are due to take place amid a 24-hour nationwide strike by medical staff, organized by the POEDIN union, that is scheduled to end on Thursday.

Associated transportation and business disruptions and a heightened security presence are to be expected near all protests and during the strike action.

Context

The Greek government seeks to spend 5 percent of its GDP on health expenditures, which staff argue is far too low when compared to other European Union countries' budgets at about 7.5 percent. Staff argue that long wait times and lack of necessary tools are a result of such budget cuts.

Advice

Individuals in Greece and particularly Athens are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, anticipate a heightened security presence and transportation disruptions near protest sites, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.