Labor unions launch general strike in opposition to multi-bill of reforms

Greece’s two biggest unions, ADEDY and GSEE, launched 24-hour general strike on Tuesday with the aim of convincing the government to withdraw its multi-bill of reforms, which is due to be voted on by MPs on Wednesday.

The legislation contains the provision for 15,000 civil servants to be sacked by the end of next year and 25,000 to be placed in a mobility scheme, which could lead to thousands losing their jobs, by the end of this year.

GSEE and ADEDY said they want protesters to form a human chain around Parliament and have organized a rally, which will start at Klafthmonos Square in central Athens at 11 a.m. A concert is due to be held in Syntagma Square at 7 p.m.

Police have ordered transport authorities to close Syntagma, Evangelismos and Panepistimiou metro stations.

Tuesday’s 24-hour nationwide strike will disrupt public transport with no trains and no Proastiakos suburban railway.

Buses and trolley buses will be in service between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. to allow demonstrators to join protest rallies, while the urban electric railway and the tram will operate normally as will the Athens metro, apart from its link to Athens International Airport.

There will be flight disruptions too as traffic controllers hold a work stoppage between noon and 4 p.m. Hospitals will be operating on emergency staff as employees join the action.