The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) on Monday called for the mass participation of all workers, pensioners, unemployed persons and young people in the 24-hour nationwide general strike being held on Wednesday, November 20, and to attend the rally taking place at 11:00 on the same day, in Klafthmonos square in central Athens.
The European Trade Union Confederation, whose head Esther Lynch is currently in Greece, also expressed its support for the GSEE strike. Lynch conveyed the support of millions of workers from all over Europe, spoke to Greek workers, and handed out informational pamphlets, together with other trade union officials in Syntagma Square.
According to an announcement, “the strike of November 20 is the GSEE’s response to the government’s refusal to take substantive measures that will ensure a decent living for workers. The government must finally understand that the well-being of society as a whole depends on the well-being of working people.”
In her statements, ETUC General Secretary Esther Lynch, stated the following: “I am here in Athens in solidarity with GSEE and all the workers of Greece who are participating in this crucial general strike. Our message to the Greek government is your message and it is loud and clear. Urgent action is needed to tackle soaring prices, unaffordable housing and persistently low wages. The continued erosion of the purchasing power of private-sector workers and pensioners is unsustainable and unfair”.
Meanwhile, Athens public transport staff have decided to participate in the 24-hour strike of the General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE) on Wednesday, 20 November. Buses and trolleys will not be running from the start of the day’s shift until 09:00 and from 21:00 until the end of the shift, due to work stoppages decided by the Urban Transport Organisation (OASA) staff union and the Electric Buses of Athens & Piraeus Area (ILPAP) staff unions.
The workers are demanding safe, modern, reliable public transport that meets the needs of both themselves and the travelling public, staff recruitment, fleet renewal and immediate measures to permanently eliminate high prices and profiteering. The intercity buses (KTEL) are expected to run normally.
Workers in Hellenic Train also decided to take part in the mobilisation. Consequently, only some Hellenic Train routes, including those of the Athens Proastiakos suburban railway, will be conducted with a skeleton staff.
No decision has been made yet for the other means of public transport.
Source: pagenews.gr