Greece hit by 24-hour strike across multiple sectors

A 24-hour strike is disrupting economic activity across Greece on Wednesday, June 24, as workers from various sectors demand better working conditions and pay. Businesses have closed their doors as employees participate in widespread mobilizations.

The core demands revolve around collective labor agreements, salary increases, and the resolution of long-standing issues affecting critical economic areas. Employees in the food and beverage industry, in particular, are expressing concern over new sectoral agreements, fearing many colleagues could be left unprotected.

In Athens, a central rally is scheduled for 11:00 AM outside the Hellenic Federation of Enterprises (SEV) offices, followed by a march to the Ministry of Labor. The Athens Commercial Employees' Association has announced a work stoppage from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, with employees gathering outside the National Confederation of Hellenic Commerce and Entrepreneurship (ESEE) to support colleagues from large companies and advocate for improved work conditions.

Workers in the catering and tourism sectors are also striking, seeking wage hikes, safety measures, better working environments, and protections for seasonal employees. Gatherings are planned in Athens and various tourist destinations. Public sector employees are demanding increased staffing, higher salaries, the restoration of 13th and 14th month salaries, and new collective agreements, with a rally set for 10:30 AM outside the Ministry of Finance.

The construction sector anticipates particularly strong participation, with workers pushing for new collective agreements. A 48-hour strike is planned for June 23 and 24 at the Hellenikon construction site, and a rally is scheduled for 11:00 AM in Athens' Kanigos Square. Similar actions are expected in numerous other cities across the country.