Greece braces for nationwide general strike over new labour law

Greece is set to face a 24-hour nationwide general strike on October 1 as workers across both the private and public sectors protest against the government’s new labour law.

The action has been organised by the country’s two largest unions, GSEE and ADEDY, and is supported by several sectoral federations, according to Greek media.

The strike is expected to cause widespread disruption, affecting local government services, public hospitals, schools, ports, railways, and air travel. Urban and intercity transport will also be heavily impacted.

Teachers’ unions, including the Greek Primary Teachers’ Federation (DOE), the Greek Federation of Secondary Education State School Teachers (OLME), and the Federation of Private School Teachers (OIELE), have urged their members to take part.

In Athens, buses and trolley buses will operate only between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m., while metro lines 1, 2 and 3, along with the tram, will run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. to allow people to attend rallies.

The Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers (POS) and the air traffic controllers’ union also confirmed their participation, while ferry services will be halted after the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) declared its support. Taxi drivers in Attica have joined the action, demanding improved working conditions.

Protest rallies are planned nationwide. In Athens, GSEE and ADEDY will hold a demonstration at 11 a.m. in Klafthmonos Square, while the Communist-affiliated union group PAME will stage a separate protest at 10:30 a.m. outside the University of Athens.

The Piraeus Labour Centre has scheduled its demonstration for 10:00 a.m. at Municipal Theatre Square. Demonstrations are also expected in other cities across Greece.

By Tamilla Hasanova