Workers in both the public and private sectors across Greece are preparing to strike on Thursday, May 1st, marking International Workers’ Day.
Under the slogan “May Day is not a holiday, it is a strike,” labor unions are calling for mass participation in rallies and walkouts demanding wage increases, collective bargaining rights, and protection from anti-labor legislation.
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and other major labor organizations say workers are facing growing economic pressures, weakened job protections, and soaring living costs. Demonstrations are set to take place in over 70 cities, with central rallies planned for 10:30 a.m. at Syntagma Square in Athens and at the same time in Thessaloniki’s Venizelos Statue Square.
In addition to wage demands, unions are also pushing for better working conditions, stronger public services, and a reversal of laws that weaken collective bargaining negotiations.
Seafarers, represented by the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), have announced a 24-hour shutdown of ferry routes to and from the Greek islands, starting at 00:01 on May 1. The federation says the strike honors both current labor struggles and the legacy of the 1886 labor movement in Chicago.
Buses and trolleybuses in Athens will operate only between 09:00 and 21:00 on May 1 due to work stoppages by the OASA and ELPAP workers’ unions. Suburban lines will run as normal. The unions emphasize that May Day is both a day of remembrance and a strike for safer, more reliable public transport.
Pensioners will also join the mobilizations. The Federation of IKA Pensioners criticized recent government measures as inadequate and is urging its members to take part in the rallies.
Gatherings in Athens will begin with pre-rallies starting at 9:30 a.m. in various city squares before merging into the main demonstrations. Similar plans are set for Thessaloniki, where labor groups will assemble at multiple downtown locations.
The labor movement is also calling attention to broader social issues, including privatization of health and education, housing insecurity, and workplace safety concerns. Many of the calls mention the Tempi train disaster and call for accountability.
Key May Day Rally Locations
Athens: Syntagma Square, 10:30 a.m.
Thessaloniki: Venizelos Statue, 10:30 a.m.
Piraeus: Municipal Theater Square, 10:00 a.m.
Patras: Georgiou Square, 10:30 a.m.
Heraklion: Eleftherias Square, 10:00 a.m.
Ioannina: Labor Center, 10:30 a.m.
Source: Tovima.com
