Greece paralysed by general strike against reforms
14 years, 3 months ago

Greece paralysed by general strike against reforms

The Hindu  

A new general strike hit Greece on Wednesday, grounding flights, closing factories, and disrupting hospital and transport services as angry unions protested new labour reforms and painful austerity measures. Wednesday’s 24-hour general strike is the seventh organized this year by unions appalled at a wave of austerity policies meant to pull Greece out of its worst financial crisis since World War II. “We want the government to take back the latest labour law that will hurt workers’ rights.” All air, rail and ferry services have been cancelled, while traffic in Athens was severely disrupted as public transport workers and taxi drivers walked off the job for hours. All opposition parties opposed the reforms, which left-wing parties claim will take labour relations “back to the Middle Ages.” But Prime Minister George Papandreou’s Socialists cite the need to turn around loss-making public corporations while saving private sector jobs by allowing struggling businesses to cut costs.

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History of this topic

Violent protests and general strike roil cities across Greece
3 weeks, 5 days ago

Violent protests and general strike roil cities across Greece

LA Times  

Riot police try to avoid the flames from a gasoline bomb outside the Greek parliament during a protest in Athens. Riot police fired volleys of tear gas, stun grenades and water at protesters hurling gasoline bombs and smashed-up paving stones in Athens on Friday during a massive demonstration marking the second anniversary of Greece’s worst rail disaster that has become …

Travellers warned as workers at major European airports go on strike
Trending News
3 weeks, 6 days ago

Travellers warned as workers at major European airports go on strike

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Flight cancellations and delays are expected as workers at several major European airports strike this week. …

Flight warning as Greek air traffic controllers to join general strike
1 month ago

Flight warning as Greek air traffic controllers to join general strike

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Greek air traffic controllers will join a nationwide strike on 28 February, grounding almost all commercial …

Greek air traffic controllers to join general strike on anniversary of fatal rail crash
1 month ago

Greek air traffic controllers to join general strike on anniversary of fatal rail crash

Associated Press  

ATHENS, Greece — Greece’s air traffic controllers said Thursday they will join a nationwide general strike called to demand justice for the victims of the country’s worst rail disaster two years ago. The air controllers’ participation in the Feb. 28 strike, called by labor unions representing public and private sector workers, is expected to ground all commercial passenger flights heading …

Thousands of workers march across Italy in general strike demanding better pay and services
Trending News
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Thousands of workers march across Italy in general strike demanding better pay and services

Associated Press  

MILAN — Thousands of teachers, health care workers, trash collectors and others walked off their jobs across Italy on Friday to protest a decline in spending power, persistently low salaries and government policies they say have weakened public services. Italy’s most powerful trade unions called the eight-hour strike and mobilized marches in cities across the country to target Premier Giorgia …

Thousands of workers march across Italy in general strike demanding better pay and services
3 months, 3 weeks ago

Thousands of workers march across Italy in general strike demanding better pay and services

New Indian Express  

MILAN: Thousands of teachers, health care workers, trash collectors and others walked off their jobs across Italy on Friday to protest a decline in spending power, persistently low salaries and government policies they say have weakened public services. Italy's most powerful trade unions called the eight-hour strike and mobilized marches in cities across the country to target Premier Giorgia Meloni's …

Striking unions bring Greece to standstill
4 months ago

Striking unions bring Greece to standstill

China Daily  

Protesters march past Greece's parliament in Athens on Wednesday during a 24-hour general strike. REUTERS The Greek government has vowed to tackle industrial unrest that brought the nation to its knees on Wednesday, when a general strike paralyzed cities and drew thousands onto the streets in mass protests that coincided with the country unveiling its 2025 budget. But workers want …

Striking unions bring Greece to standstill
4 months ago

Striking unions bring Greece to standstill

China Daily  

Protesters march past Greece's parliament in Athens on Wednesday during a 24-hour general strike. REUTERS The Greek government has vowed to tackle industrial unrest that brought the nation to its knees on Wednesday, when a general strike paralyzed cities and drew thousands onto the streets in mass protests that coincided with the country unveiling its 2025 budget. But workers want …

Greece hit by general strike as thousands of workers protest over the high cost of living
4 months ago

Greece hit by general strike as thousands of workers protest over the high cost of living

Associated Press  

ATHENS, Greece — Thousands of workers marched through the Greek capital Athens on Wednesday as part of a 24-hour general strike called by labor unions to protest the rising cost of living and timed to coincide with the government submitting the 2025 budget to Parliament. Medical staff at state-run hospitals and teachers were among those who joined the strike, which …

Greek workers hold general strike over high cost of living and call for collective wage agreements
4 months ago

Greek workers hold general strike over high cost of living and call for collective wage agreements

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Greek public and private sector …

Thousands in Greece strike to protest soaring living costs
4 months ago

Thousands in Greece strike to protest soaring living costs

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of people have taken to the streets in Athens and other Greek cities as a 24-hour general strike to protest against the rising cost of living shut down public services and part of Greece’s transport network. About 15,000 people marched in the capital on Wednesday while another 4,000 demonstrated in Greece’s second largest city, Thessaloniki, police said. The Greek …

Greek ferry crews call off strike early ahead of three-day holiday weekend
5 months ago

Greek ferry crews call off strike early ahead of three-day holiday weekend

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Greek ferry crews have curtailed …

Greeks strike to mark train crash anniversary and demand justice
1 year ago

Greeks strike to mark train crash anniversary and demand justice

Al Jazeera  

Thousands of striking Greek workers and students have marched through central Athens to mark the first anniversary of the country’s deadliest train crash – and demand justice and bigger pay rises. Some of those marching in Athens held up a black banner reading: “We don’t forget – we demand justice.” On February 28, 2023, a passenger train from Athens to …

Athens taxis on a 48-hour strike that will coincide with a nationwide public sector stoppage
1 year ago

Athens taxis on a 48-hour strike that will coincide with a nationwide public sector stoppage

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Taxi drivers in the Greek …

European unions slam government plans for minimum service levels during strikes
2 years, 1 month ago

European unions slam government plans for minimum service levels during strikes

The Independent  

Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Unions representing more than 20 million workers across Europe have …

Britons urged to avoid risky activity as paramedics join strikes. How did things get so bad?
2 years, 3 months ago

Britons urged to avoid risky activity as paramedics join strikes. How did things get so bad?

CNN  

London CNN — Another day, another round of strikes in Britain. And Britain’s public sector workers in particular are bearing the brunt; average pay growth in the private sector was 6.9% in the middle of 2022, compared to 2.7% for the public sector – the ONS said this gulf is “among the largest differences between the private sector and public …

Inflation strikes disrupt trains, flights in Greece, Belgium
2 years, 4 months ago

Inflation strikes disrupt trains, flights in Greece, Belgium

Associated Press  

ATHENS, Greece — Workers walked off the job in Greece and Belgium on Wednesday during nationwide strikes against increasing consumer prices, disrupting transportation, forcing flight cancellations and shutting down public services in the latest European protests over the rising cost of living. The strike disrupted services around the country, with ferries tied up in port, severing connections to Greece’s islands, …

Greece: Protesting hospital workers clash with police
2 years, 11 months ago

Greece: Protesting hospital workers clash with police

Associated Press  

ATHENS, Greece — Protesting Greek health care workers clashed with police outside parliament during a demonstration in Athens Wednesday against proposed hospital reforms. Lawmakers are debating proposed health care reforms that include new guidelines to recognize the tenure of doctors and nurses who have worked abroad. Health care unions have staged frequent protests during the pandemic, arguing that not enough …

Greece: Public workers strike over proposed labor law
3 years, 9 months ago

Greece: Public workers strike over proposed labor law

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A 24-hour strike in Greece …

Greece strike to disrupt public transport
4 years, 4 months ago

Greece strike to disrupt public transport

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Airlines are rescheduling or canceling …

Greek civil servants walk off job in 24-hour strike
4 years, 5 months ago

Greek civil servants walk off job in 24-hour strike

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Greek civil servants have walked …

Strikes in Greece cause travel chaos
7 years, 10 months ago

Strikes in Greece cause travel chaos

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The Foreign Office warns: “All passenger ferries across Greece are likely to remain in ports on those days.” Greece’s two …

General strike shuts down services across Greece
11 years, 4 months ago

General strike shuts down services across Greece

India TV News  

Athens, Greece: Services across Greece shut down Wednesday as unions held a 24-hour general strike to protest further austerity cuts in the cash-strapped country. The strike disrupted public transport, halted ferry and train services, shut down courts and state-run schools, and left state hospitals and the ambulance service functioning with emergency staff.Dozens of flights were canceled or rescheduled as air …

Greek creditors say agreement on reforms reached
11 years, 8 months ago

Greek creditors say agreement on reforms reached

The Hindu  

Greece’s debt inspectors reached an agreement with the cash-strapped country on reforms needed for the release of the next batch of bailout loans despite warning on Monday of an “uncertain” economic outlook. The latest review of Greece’s economy by the troika — European Commission, European Central Bank and International Monetary Fund — will feature heavily in key discussions later over …

General strike in Greece over ERT TV closure
11 years, 9 months ago

General strike in Greece over ERT TV closure

The Hindu  

Unions in Greece are holding a general strike on Thursday in protest of the closure of state-run TV and radio which has divided the fragile coalition government. We are making it better.” The crisis was the worst in Mr. Samaras’ year-old government, which is credited rescuing Greece’s euro membership by imposing harsh austerity and reform measures demanded by the country’s …

Greek government orders teachers not to strike
11 years, 10 months ago

Greek government orders teachers not to strike

LA Times  

From left, Dutch Finance Minister Jeroen Dijsselbloem, Greek Finance Minister Yannis Stournaras, European Union Commissioner for Economic and Monetary Affairs Olli Rehn and Irish Finance Minister Michael Noonan talk prior to a Eurozone meeting at the EU headquarters in Brussels. ATHENS -- Greece’s ruling coalition threatened Monday to arrest public high school teachers if they walk off work later this …

Greek police storm metro workers sit-in as strike goes on
12 years, 2 months ago

Greek police storm metro workers sit-in as strike goes on

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Greek riot police stormed a …

European workers strike against austerity policies
12 years, 4 months ago

European workers strike against austerity policies

The Hindu  

Millions of workers in several crisis-hit European countries on Wednesday joined a day of protests against austerity policies, with Spanish and Portuguese workers leading the protests with a 24-hour general strike. The European Trade Union Confederation had called “a day of action and solidarity” against austerity measures, recession and “dismantling the European social model.” The general strike in Spain and …

Strikes and record unemployment as Greece passes austerity bill
12 years, 4 months ago

Strikes and record unemployment as Greece passes austerity bill

The Hindu  

The Greek parliament passed a new round of austerity measures on Thursday, as work stoppages continued and newly released unemployment figured showed a record high of 25.4 per cent. Hours after Greek lawmakers voted 153-128 for the package of spending cuts and tax increases, transport remained paralysed in Athens as the metro, suburban railway and taxis continued rolling 24-hour strikes, …

Greek media, health and other professionals on strike
12 years, 5 months ago

Greek media, health and other professionals on strike

The Hindu  

Professionals, including journalists, doctors and court officials across Greece walked off the job Wednesday, ahead of a nationwide strike called by the country’s two biggest trade unions to oppose the government’s austerity plans. It comes ahead of another 24-hour nationwide strike called by unions for Thursday. Athens is in talks its international creditors, the European Commission, European Central Bank and …

Violence in Greece over austerity
12 years, 6 months ago

Violence in Greece over austerity

The Hindu  

Police clashed with protesters hurling petrol bombs and bottles in central Athens on Wednesday after an anti-government rally as part of a general strike in Greece turned violent. About 50,000 people joined the union-organised march in central Athens on Wednesday, held during a general strike against new austerity measures planned in the crisis-hit country. As the strike got under way …

Greek unions strike against austerity measures
13 years, 1 month ago

Greek unions strike against austerity measures

The Hindu  

Thousands took to the streets of Athens as Greek unions launched a two-day general strike against planned austerity measures on Friday, a day after the country’s crucial international bailout was put in limbo by its partners in the 17-nation euro-zone. “These days are the last acts of a drama that we all hope will lead to a happy conclusion with …

Greek Protests Against Austerity Turns Violent
13 years, 5 months ago

Greek Protests Against Austerity Turns Violent

India TV News  

Athens, Oct 19: Furious protesters hurled homemade firebombs, rocks and garbage at police in Athens on Wednesday, as Greek lawmakers prepared to vote on a new batch of budget cuts necessary to stave off a government default. Tens of thousands of demonstrators descended on Athens' main square to show their opposition to the austerity plan, chanting: "We can't bleed any …

Renewed strikes in Greece as austerity budget nears vote
14 years, 3 months ago

Renewed strikes in Greece as austerity budget nears vote

The Hindu  

Bus and train drivers in Greece started a 24-hour strike on Wednesday as the government in Athens neared a final vote on austerity measures, expected to come early Thursday morning. At midday, several hundred people — predominantly civil servants from state organizations — gathered in front of parliament to protest against the looming cuts, chanting “thieves, thieves” and accusing politicians …

Greek sea transport paralysed as seamen strike for fourth day
14 years, 4 months ago

Greek sea transport paralysed as seamen strike for fourth day

The Hindu  

Coastal ferries and passenger ships remained docked at ports across Greece on Friday after seamen walked off the job for the fourth straight day. The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation is demanding that its members’ jobs be safeguarded with 10 months employment per year and the creation of an independent unemployment fund for seamen. The seamen are protesting the government’s austerity programme …

Greece braces for nationwide strike
14 years, 8 months ago

Greece braces for nationwide strike

The Hindu  

Public services in Greece are expected to grind to a halt on Thursday as thousands of workers embark on a 24—hour strike in response to a scheduled parliamentary vote on unpopular pension and labour reforms. The planned strike is the sixth major protest since Athens unveiled austerity measures to battle its budget—deficit crisis. Public transport will also be paralysed in …

Transport disrupted as Greek workers launch 24-hour strike
14 years, 8 months ago

Transport disrupted as Greek workers launch 24-hour strike

The Hindu  

Greek workers disrupted rail and sea travel and shut down public services across the country on Tuesday in a 24-hour strike over government austerity measures. Rail and road transport across the country were disrupted while people trying to travel from the country’s main port of Pireaus experienced difficulties, after two of the 14 unions that make up the Panhellenic Seamen’s …

Greece unions vow battle on cuts
14 years, 10 months ago

Greece unions vow battle on cuts

The Hindu  

Greece announced swingeing spending cuts on Sunday to clinch a €110-billion international bailout, warning that widespread sacrifices were needed to save the country from bankruptcy. The government said people would have to work longer before they can retire, public workers would lose year-end bonuses and sales taxes would go up under a deal with the European Union and IMF aimed …

Greece paralysed by strike over austerity plan
15 years ago

Greece paralysed by strike over austerity plan

The Hindu  

Greek public transport was halted, flights grounded and state hospitals left with emergency staff only on Thursday as workers held yet another general strike to protest painful spending cuts. Debt—plagued Greece has faced a new wave of labour discontent since the Socialist government’s harsh new austerity plan was introduced last week in an effort to trim its ballooning deficit and …

Thousands strike in Greece over austerity plans
15 years, 1 month ago

Thousands strike in Greece over austerity plans

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. "Today, Europe's eyes are turned on us," said Yannis …

Clashes at Greek protests
15 years, 1 month ago

Clashes at Greek protests

The Hindu  

Police fired tear gas and clashed with demonstrators in Athens after some 50,000 people finished a peaceful march against cutbacks intended to fix the country's debt crisis. Windows were smashed at the Finance Ministry's General Accounting Office, which has been accused by the European Union of slipshod statistics-keeping that made the financial crisis worse. Labour unions organised the protest march …

Greece hit by nationwide strike against austerity
15 years, 1 month ago

Greece hit by nationwide strike against austerity

The Hindu  

Greek unions staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday, grounding flights, shutting schools and crippling public services, in a show of strength against government austerity measures aimed at pulling the debt—ridden country out of financial crisis. The country’s two largest umbrella labour groups, the private sector GSEE and public sector ADEDY, fiercely oppose a wave of belt—tightening measures announced over the …

Fuel shortage hits Greece amid strikes
15 years, 1 month ago

Fuel shortage hits Greece amid strikes

The Hindu  

Greek drivers queued for gas at the few stations still open on Friday as a nearly week-long customs strike protesting government austerity measures left many pumps running dry, while taxi drivers stayed off the streets in a 24-hour walkout. But on Thursday, their union declared three 48-hour rolling strikes that will keep customs offices shut through next Wednesday, when Greek …

Greek unions launch first assault on austerity plan
15 years, 1 month ago

Greek unions launch first assault on austerity plan

The Hindu  

A civil servants’ strike grounded flights and shut down public services across Greece on Wednesday, as labour unions mounted their first major challenge to austerity measures in the debt—plagued country. “It’s a war against workers and we will answer with war, with constant struggles until this policy is overturned,” said Christos Katsiotis, a representative of a communist-party affiliated labour union. …

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