Strikes organized by Greece's largest labor union, the General Confederation of Greek Labor (GSEE), have caused disruptions in ferry services and public transport in Athens and other areas. The strikes were called to demand the reinstatement of collective bargaining rights that were removed over a decade ago during a severe financial crisis.
Protesters gathered in central Athens to participate in a planned demonstration as part of the 24-hour strikes. The impact of the strikes was felt as ferries remained docked at ports and various public services were disrupted, leading to some state-run hospitals operating with emergency staffing levels.
Despite Greece's return to strong economic growth and an investment-grade sovereign bond rating after a period of international bailouts and a significant recession from 2010 to 2018, labor unions argue that essential labor rights have not been fully restored.
GSEE leader Yiannis Panagopoulos emphasized the importance of reinstating labor laws and collective and individual working rights, stating that these measures are crucial for ensuring fair pay for workers. Panagopoulos highlighted the discrepancy between the promises made during the bailout period and the current situation, where essential labor rights remain unaddressed.
