The strike announced will be general and will take place on Wednesday, November 20, 2024. ADEDY and GSEE will go on strike on the same day, turning into a general strike announced by each of the unions separately.
Strike on Wednesday, November 20: Meeting in Klathmonos
On the day of the strike, public employees marched in the center of Athens and in other cities of the country. The “rendezvous” in the capital is set at 1:00pm at Klathmonos Square.
With the strike, the civil servants demand:
- Real wages increase immediately
- Reform of 13th and 14th salary
- Labor agreements
- Abolish the 2% unemployment levy.
- Non-freezing of the 2016-2017 biennium
- Tax free at 12,000 euros
- Increase and expansion of the hazardous and unhealthy work allowance without any cuts.
- Supporting the NHS with generous funding.
- Health and safety measures in workplaces and schools.
- Reducing the number of students to 1:15 and ending the merger of schools and departments.
- The repeal of the Hatzidakis Law (Law 4808/21) and the Law 5053/23 (Georgiadis) regarding labor matters, as well as the repeal of all the laws that privatize social security – L. to restore. 1264/82.
- Recruit permanent staff to cover the thousands of organizational gaps in the State, especially in the areas of Health, Education, Social Security, etc.
- At the same time, the workers say ”no” to the privatization of public organizations and institutions.
What will happen to metro, buses, trams?
Despite the GSEE strike being planned since September, there is still no word on whether Mass Transport will strike and in what way.
Buses usually operate from 09:00 to 21:00 taking part in the strike with work stops and the Metro also operates at specific times to accommodate the citizens who want to take part in the strike march. However, within the next few days it is expected that an announcement will be made as to what will be done with the public transport methods.
What does ADEDY ask from GSEE in his letter
The letter sent by the ADEDY Executive Committee to the GSEE administration:
“My colleagues,
The Executive Committee of ADEDY proposes the General Strike on 20 November a common platform in Klathmonos Square and a common flag.
We inform you that the ADEDY Executive Committee, like GSEE, has designated Klathmonos Square as a meeting place. As we have so far received no positive response from our telephone communication with members of your management, please let us know as soon as possible if you agree with our proposal. The installation of two stands in the same place, on the same day and at the same time, will have a very negative impact on the workers and society.”
The GSEE announced the strike on 20 November
Dealing with punctuality, the increased prices of rents and the housing market, as well as the reform of the Common Labor Law, were at the center of the Plenary meeting of the GSEE today.
The Federation has made a decision, given that the Government is not taking any substantive measures to address these critical issues that are plaguing workers in the private sector but instead they are implementing measures that adding to their problems:
- Realization of a 24 hour General Strike for Wednesday 20 November 2024
- the implementation of an information campaign, which will begin immediately in all the regions of the country with particular emphasis on Athens and Thessaloniki, with the aim of massive and united participation in the 24-hour General Strike.
- The Government is unable to implement policies that strengthen the purchasing power of employees, which has decreased by 8% since 2019. Unfortunately the bonus policy and passes do not solve the problems. Immediate measures are needed to deal with the oligopolistic structure of the market and cartels, the restructuring of labor relations and the Collective Labor Law as well as the implementation of a social housing program with a reserve of 1.5 billion from the former Workhouse.
- These measures meet the real needs of workers in the private sector and we will fight for the implementation of these measures.
Interview Between Time.News Editor and Labor Expert
Time.News Editor (TNE): Welcome to Time.News. Today, we have with us Dr. Sofia Antonopoulos, a labor rights expert and professor at the University of Athens specializing in trade unionism and public policies. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Antonopoulos.
Dr. Sofia Antonopoulos (DSA): Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
TNE: The upcoming general strike on November 20, 2024, has garnered significant attention from the public and media alike. Could you give us an overview of the reasons behind this strike, particularly focusing on the demands from ADEDY and GSEE?
DSA: Absolutely. Both ADEDY, which represents civil servants, and GSEE, which represents private sector workers, have united for this strike to advocate for multiple critical reforms. The demands include immediate increases in wages, changes to salary structures such as the abolition of the 2% unemployment levy, and calls for more robust funding for the National Health System (NHS). These demands highlight the ongoing challenges many workers face in grappling with rising living costs and inadequate labor conditions.
TNE: It’s clear that economic issues are at the forefront. How significant is the demand for labor agreements and the repeal of the Hatzidakis Law in this context?
DSA: The demand for labor agreements is essential because it represents a call for collective bargaining, which is a cornerstone of labor rights. The Hatzidakis Law, enacted in 2021, is seen by many as detrimental to labor protections, allowing for more flexible work arrangements that could undermine job security. Repealing such laws would be a step toward restoring stronger rights for workers and ensuring that labor regulations prioritize employee welfare over corporate flexibility.
TNE: The strike is scheduled to feature major gatherings, particularly at Klathmonos Square in Athens. How do such demonstrations impact public sentiment and government policy?
DSA: Public demonstrations like this can be very powerful, helping to raise awareness about labor issues and galvanizing broader public support. When workers gather en masse, it sends a strong message to policymakers about the urgency of their demands. These demonstrations can influence public opinion, prompting the government to reconsider its stance on certain policies and potentially leading to negotiations.
TNE: The article also mentioned uncertainty regarding public transport availability during the strike. What effects do strikes typically have on public services like transportation, and how might this influence participation?
DSA: Disruptions in public transport are common during strikes and can significantly impact participation rates. If services are limited, potential participants might face challenges in reaching protest sites, which could dilute the number of people able to join. However, often transport unions also participate in strikes, which could lead to widespread support and further pressure on the government.
TNE: ADEDY and GSEE have hinted at a collaborative approach, proposing a “common platform” at Klathmonos Square. How important is solidarity among different unions during such strikes?
DSA: Union solidarity is vital. It not only amplifies the collective voice of workers but also helps to unify various labor movements around common goals. By standing together, different unions can create a much more formidable force, which can lead to more substantial negotiations with employers and the government. This sense of unity can also encourage more workers to participate, as it demonstrates widespread support for the issues at hand.
TNE: Lastly, with such a strong push for reform, what do you see as the potential outcomes of this strike? Could this lead to any significant changes in policy?
DSA: The potential outcomes could be quite significant, depending on the level of participation and public support. If the strike gains enough momentum, it could lead to renewed negotiations on labor policies and even some concessions from the government. However, it’s important to remember that change often takes time, and persistence from the unions will be crucial in ensuring that these demands are not just heard, but acted upon.
TNE: Thank you, Dr. Antonopoulos, for your insights. It seems that this strike is shaping up to be a pivotal moment in Greece’s labor landscape. We appreciate your time and expertise.
DSA: Thank you for having me. I look forward to seeing how this unfolds!