More public transport strikes next week

Athens public transport workers on Friday announced plans for a new round of strikes during the coming week, cutting short their talks with the transport ministry.

The move came after the ministry decided to table a draft bill for reforming the public transport system in Parliament, with minimal modifications relative to the original proposals, while talks with the unions were still underway.

So far, Athens buses have declared a work stoppage from 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. on Monday so that staff can attend a general assembly to decide further strike action. Workers in other means of public transport are to hold assemblies and make decisions over the weekend.

The ministry responded by saying that the bill had to be tabled in order to keep to the schedule but that dialogue could continue until it was voted on by Parliament.