
The heart of Athens fell silent on Thursday as tens of thousands of workers walked off the job in a massive 24-hour general strike that paralysed transportation and shut down public services across the Greek capital.
Transport Chaos and Shuttered Services
Commuters faced severe disruption as metro, bus, and railway services ground to a complete halt. Flights were cancelled or rescheduled as air traffic controllers joined the walkout, while hospitals operated with emergency staff only and public offices remained closed.
The powerful GSEE private sector union and ADEDY public sector union organised the nationwide action, mobilising workers from virtually every sector of the economy in one of the largest labour demonstrations seen in Greece this year.
Protesting 'Barbaric' Labour Reforms
At the centre of the dispute is a controversial new employment law that unions describe as a direct assault on workers' rights. The legislation, which passed parliament last month, introduces significant changes to working hours and overtime regulations.
"This law takes us back decades," declared a GSEE union representative. "It creates a framework for barbaric working conditions where employees can be forced to work excessive hours with inadequate rest and diminished overtime pay."
Mass Rally Syntagma Square
Protesters converged on Syntagma Square, the political epicentre facing Greece's parliament, waving banners reading "Hands off our rights" and "We won't become modern-day slaves." The atmosphere was charged but peaceful as demonstrators voiced their opposition to what they see as the erosion of hard-won labour protections.
The conservative government maintains the reforms will modernise Greece's labour market and boost competitiveness. Labour Minister Niki Kerameus argued the changes provide "necessary flexibility for businesses while maintaining core worker protections."
Historical Context of Greek Labour Unrest
This latest industrial action continues Greece's long tradition of robust labour movements. The country has experienced frequent strikes throughout its recent economic history, particularly during the austerity years following the financial crisis.
Union leaders have vowed to continue their fight against the legislation, with further protests planned if the government refuses to reconsider the controversial measures. "This is just the beginning," warned one protest organiser. "We will use every democratic means available to protect workers from this destructive law."