General strike tomorrow, Wednesday 1 October

A general strike has been called by the GSEE and ADEDY unions for Wednesday, covering both public and private sectors. Seamen on the Corfu–Igoumenitsa lines have also long confirmed their participation.

The ELME (Secondary Education Teachers’ Union) and the local ADEDY branch will gather at 10 a.m. at the Courthouse. This coincides with the hearing of a lawsuit filed by a former school principal against the ELME leadership for “disruption of service.” The presence of striking teachers symbolises resistance against union persecution and restrictions on union freedoms.

Healthcare Workers

Healthcare, welfare, and emergency staff are under extreme strain. Hospitals employ 45,000 permanent and 25,000 contract workers in 90,000 positions, with more departures than hires. Newly appointed staff earn wages that barely cover rent, and hospital doctors may work 48–60 hours weekly. Government promises on permanent hiring, wage increases, or better working conditions have been ignored.

GSEE Demands

• Withdraw measures allowing excessively long workdays; oppose the 13-hour workday.

• Reduce working hours: 37.5 hours per week is fair and effective.

• Restore free collective bargaining to ensure fair wages and working conditions.

PAME Demands

• Scrap all anti-labour laws that weaken the 8-hour day and enforce precarious work.

• Ensure a 7-hour day, 5-day week, 35-hour workweek with wage increases and collective agreements.

• Implement strong health and safety protections in workplaces.

• Restore the 13th and 14th public sector salaries and other stolen benefits.

• Take immediate action against inflation.

• Prioritise funding for wages, pensions, health, and education—not military spending or NATO interventions.

GIORGOS KATSAITIS