Greece: Striking healthcare workers to demonstrate in Athens June 22

Event

Unionized healthcare workers will strike in Greece's Attica region, which includes Athens, on June 22. The Federation of Doctors' Unions will strike 08:00-12:00, and other employees of public hospitals will hold a 24-hour strike including a 08:00-13:00 work stoppage. Healthcare workers plan to gather in Athen's Mavili Square at 09:00 and march on the Ministry of Health.

Additional police will likely deploy to monitor the action; associated security measures could prompt transport disruptions in the surrounding area. The action will likely proceed peacefully, though isolated clashes between police and protesters cannot be ruled out.

Context

Greek healthcare workers have protested at roughly monthly intervals since late 2021, against a range of government policies. In March 2022, protesters clashed with police and tear gas was used to disperse them. Further protests are likely.

Advice

Confirm medical appointments in Attica through June 22 as a precaution. Plan for medical service delays. If possible, contact healthcare facilities in advance for information about wait times, which could vary among hospitals and clinics. Avoid the demonstration as a routine security precaution and to mitigate associated disruptions. Allow extra time for travel in the protest-affected area.