14 Jun 2021 | 12:21 PM UTC
Greece: Unions plan 24-hour nationwide strike and protests in city centers June 16
Unions plan 24-hour nationwide strike and protests in Greece June 16; disruptions to public services likely.
Event
Several Greek trade unions and associated groups plan to strike and protest against a controversial labor bill June 16. The action will likely result in business and transport disruptions nationwide; related protests are planned in urban centers.
Multiple seafarers' unions have confirmed their participation in the strike, which will likely result in disruptions, including delays and cancellations, to ship, ferry, and port services. Unionized rail and regional public transport workers may also join in the strike, possibly prompting disruptions to rail, metro, bus, tram, and trolley bus services nationwide. Unions representing teachers and healthcare workers have confirmed participation in the strike; emergency medical care will likely remain available for the duration of the strike, nonemergency health services appointments may be canceled.
Organizing unions plan to stage related protests in urban centers nationwide. In Athens, protests will take place at Klfathmonos Square from 11:00 and Syntagma Square at 10:30 and 17:00. Likely protest locations in other towns and cities are central squares and outside government facilities. Attendance will vary by location but could reach into the thousands at larger gatherings. Police will almost certainly deploy to monitor gatherings, related security measures could prompt localized disruptions around protest sites. Most gatherings are likely to pass off peacefully but isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out, particularly if protesters breach security cordons or fail to disperse when ordered to do so.
Advice
Confirm all transport reservations and public sector appointments prior to beginning journeys. Allow additional time for travel June 16 and make alternative travel arrangements if necessary. Anticipate delays if routing shipments via Greek ports. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Heed instructions from security services and leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation.
