Greece: Health workers to strike nationwide, protest in Athens July 16

Unionized medical personnel plan to conduct a 24-hour strike across Greece July 16. The industrial action has been organized to denounce proposed legislation that union leaders allege will result in the closure of mental healthcare facilities. Organizers are calling for participants to engage in a central demonstration at the Ministry of Health (Ypourgeio Ygeias) on Aristotelous in Athens from 11:00. It was not immediately clear how many participants may attend.

The strikes will likely prompt disruptions to healthcare services, including a reduction in available services and cancelations of routine appointments. Disruptions could persist following the conclusion of the strike as medical facilities deal with a backlog of patients. Heightened security and transport disruptions are likely near the protest site in Athens. Smaller picket demonstrations are possible at medical centers nationwide.