Μake us preferred on Google Workers across Greece are preparing for a nationwide 24-hour strike on Wednesday, Nov. 25, with public and private sector unions calling for higher wages, stronger labor protections and measures to ease the rising cost of living.
The strike, called by the civil servants’ union ADEDY and supported by dozens of labor organizations, will bring together employees from a wide range of industries, including construction, retail, food production and pharmaceuticals. Rallies are planned in Athens, Thessaloniki, Piraeus and several other cities, while the extent of any disruption to public services and businesses will depend on participation.
Who Is Taking Part in the Strike?
ADEDY, Greece’s main public sector union, has called a nationwide walkout covering public sector employees.
In the private sector, 26 regional labor centers, 12 industry federations and hundreds of local unions have announced their support. Among them are organizations representing construction workers, private sector employees, food and beverage industry workers, accountants, pharmaceutical workers and employees in the printing and paper industries.
More workplace and industry unions are expected to announce whether they will participate as the strike approaches.
What Are the Unions Demanding?
Higher wages and stronger collective bargaining agreements are central to the unions’ demands, along with measures to protect workers’ purchasing power as housing, energy and everyday expenses continue to strain household budgets.
Public sector unions are seeking substantial pay increases, additional permanent staff and the restoration of the 13th and 14th monthly salaries, which were abolished during Greece’s financial crisis.
Other demands include a shorter working week, with unions proposing a seven-hour workday and a five-day, 35-hour week, as well as stronger workplace health and safety protections. Some participating unions are also opposing Greek involvement in armed conflicts around the world.
Where and When Are the Strike Rallies?
In Athens, demonstrators will gather at 10:30 a.m. at Propylaea, the historic entrance to the University of Athens on Panepistimiou Street in the city center.
In Thessaloniki, the main rally is scheduled for 10:30 a.m. at the Venizelos Statue, a central gathering point for demonstrations.
In Piraeus, workers will meet at 10 a.m. in Municipal Theater Square, outside the city’s landmark theater.
Demonstrations have also been announced in Patras, Agrinio, Aigio, Larissa, Ioannina, Kavala, Corfu, Lefkada and Zakynthos.
What Should Employees and Visitors Expect?
The strike will cover public sector employees nationwide, including teachers, following a 24-hour walkout called by ADEDY, Greece’s main civil servants’ union.
In the private sector, unions representing construction workers, retail employees, food and beverage workers, accountants and several other industries have confirmed their participation. However, the strike does not automatically extend to every private business.
As of Nov. 12, no strike action has been confirmed for the Athens metro, buses, trolleybuses or tram services. There are also no confirmed announcements of cancellations affecting trains, ferries or flights on Nov. 25. Transport unions may announce separate decisions closer to the date.
Demonstrations are scheduled for central Athens, Thessaloniki and Piraeus on the morning of the strike. Anyone traveling through these areas should allow for possible delays, although specific road closures and traffic restrictions have not yet been announced.
Further details on transportation services and individual sectors are expected ahead of Nov. 25.
