29 Aug 2024 | 12:43 PM UTC
Greece: Unionized healthcare workers to strike nationwide, protest in Thessaloniki and Rhodes Sept. 6
Unionized medical staff to strike for 24 hours across Greece Sept. 6; demonstrations planned in central Thessaloniki and Rhodes.
Unionized healthcare workers affiliated with the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Employees (POEDN) plan to conduct a strike across Greece on Sept. 6. The purpose of the labor action is to denounce the alleged degradation of the nation's public healthcare system. Workers will strike for 24 hours in all areas except for Thessaloniki, where they will strike 08:00-15:00. The following protests are planned; however, additional protests are likely:
Thessaloniki: Organizers are planning a central protest here. Participants will gather at Ippokrateio Hospital on Konstantinoupoleos at 08:30 before marching to the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace on Proxenon. Organizers plan to charter buses to bring participants from around the country.
Rhodes: Protest at the General Hospital on Kristian Mparnarnt in Rhodes from 19:00.
Medical service disruptions will probably affect medical facilities nationwide during the strike period and will likely linger into the morning of Sept. 7. Heightened security and localized transport disruptions are likely near any demonstrations that materialize. Low-level confrontations between protesters and law enforcement officers cannot be ruled out.
Consider confirming all medical appointments scheduled for Sept. 6. Avoid all protests as a standard precaution. Allow additional time if traveling near any protest sites, particularly in central Thessaloniki. Immediately depart the area at the first sign that any security disturbance may occur. Strictly heed all instructions from law enforcement officers.
