Strikes by Greek teachers and island ferry crews trigger broader labor disputes
Striking Greek public school teachers have marched in protest through central Athens as tensions grow between labor organizations and the center-right government over workers’ rights
ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Striking Greek public school teachers marched in protest through central Athens on Wednesday as tensions grow between labor organizations and the center-right government over workers’ rights.
Island ferry crews also decided to extend for another two days a strike that has left ships moored in port since Tuesday. Their demands include a 12% pay increase.
The 24-hour teachers' strike was called by Greece's civil servants’ union ADEDY, taking over from teaching unions after the government tried to block the action in court.
Labor unions are pressing for the restoration of rights that were significantly rolled back during successive international bailouts between 2010 and 2018. The austerity measures implemented as a condition for the rescue loans included severe cuts to public spending, tax increases and labor reforms that resulted in a weakening of collective bargaining rules.
