Greek transport workers, hospital doctors, school teachers, and construction workers participated in a nationwide strike to protest low wages and demand higher pay. Many Greeks had their wages and pensions cut during the 2009-2018 debt crisis, which nearly pushed the country out of the eurozone. Despite the Greek economy recovering since 2018, workers feel that the recent minimum wage increases are not enough to keep up with rising costs of energy, food, and housing.
GSEE, Greece’s largest private sector union, called for immediate and substantial pay rises to address the cost-of-living crisis. They also demanded government action against oligopolies for driving up the cost of basic goods. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis’ government has promised further minimum wage increases to 950 euros per month by 2027.
Mitsotakis acknowledged the need for improvements in wages and GDP per capita, and called on the EU to address power price discrepancies that see Greeks paying more than other EU countries. The strike coincides with the government submitting its final 2025 budget to parliament, which predicts economic growth of 2.3% and higher tax revenues from digital payments and property sales.
The strike disrupted shipping, railway, and bus services, with workers expected to protest in central Athens. Despite the government’s efforts to boost the economy, workers argue that their wages still lag behind the European average and are insufficient to cover their basic needs.
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