GREECE: NATIONWIDE STRIKES DISRUPT SERVICES ACROSS COUNTRY
ATHENS, GREECE - OCTOBER 1, 2025
A nationwide general strike in Greece brought the country to a standstill on Wednesday, with thousands of workers and citizens affected by the disruption of public transport services. The one-day strike was called in response to proposed labor reforms that would allow employers to extend working hours.
According to reports, no taxis were available in Athens, while trains were also halted for the duration of the 24-hour strike. Buses and the city's subway, tram, and trolley service operated on a severely reduced schedule. The strike was organized by Greece's largest private and public trade unions, with thousands of people, including teachers and seafarers, marching to parliament in Athens.
The government bill at the center of the controversy would allow employers to seek up to 13 hours of work a day from their staff, compared with the current eight. Under the new regulations, working hours that include overtime would be capped at 48 hours per week, with a maximum of 150 hours of overtime allowed per year.
"This is a clear attack on workers' rights and living standards," said Giorgos Mavrikis, president of the GSEE trade union. "The government is trying to push through these reforms without consulting us or listening to our concerns."
The proposed labor laws have been met with widespread criticism from international organizations and human rights groups. The International Labor Organization (ILO) has expressed concern that the new regulations would lead to a significant increase in working hours, potentially harming workers' health and well-being.
Greece's economy has struggled in recent years, with high levels of unemployment and poverty. However, experts say that the proposed labor reforms are unlikely to address these issues effectively.
"The government is trying to solve the country's economic problems by sacrificing workers' rights," said Yannis Varoufakis, a former Greek finance minister. "This approach has been tried before, and it has failed miserably."
The strike is expected to continue until the evening, with thousands of people still stranded across the country. The government has vowed to push through the proposed labor reforms, despite widespread opposition.
As the situation unfolds, international observers are closely watching Greece's handling of the crisis. "This is a critical moment for Greece and its workers," said Maria Koutsoukis, a European Union official. "We urge the government to engage in constructive dialogue with trade unions and listen to their concerns."
The outcome of the strike remains uncertain, but one thing is clear: the proposed labor reforms have sparked a national debate about workers' rights and living standards in Greece.
Background: Greece has been struggling with high levels of unemployment and poverty for several years. The country's economy was hit hard by the global financial crisis, and subsequent austerity measures have led to widespread discontent among citizens.
Additional Perspectives:
The proposed labor reforms are part of a broader effort by the Greek government to attract foreign investment and boost economic growth.
Critics argue that the new regulations would lead to a significant increase in working hours, potentially harming workers' health and well-being.
International organizations, including the ILO, have expressed concern about the impact of the proposed labor reforms on workers' rights.
Current Status: The strike is expected to continue until the evening, with thousands of people still stranded across the country. The government has vowed to push through the proposed labor reforms, despite widespread opposition.
*Reporting by Dw.*
