Strike on October 1: Country Paralyzed, Rallies in Athens Center – Metro, Tram, Buses Affected

Greece has ground to a halt today due to a 24-hour nationwide strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY), in protest against the new labor bill. GSEE urges all workers to participate massively and dynamically in the 24-hour general strike. The main rally in Athens will take place at 11:00 a.m. at Klauthmonos Square, with similar demonstrations scheduled in major cities across the country. According to the union, key demands include withdrawing measures on working hours, which it claims favor specific employer interests. ‘We say no to the 13-hour workday. Exhaustion is not growth; human endurance has limits. We reject fragmented rest periods,’ GSEE emphasized. The confederation also calls for reduced working hours, advocating a 37.5-hour workweek as socially fair and beneficial, where implemented. Additionally, GSEE demands full restoration of free collective bargaining, essential for workplace democracy, better wages, and improved labor conditions. ADEDY, meanwhile, demands reinstatement of the 13th and 14th salaries, wage increases, collective labor agreements in the public sector, abolition of the new disciplinary code, and withdrawal of the 13-hour workday bill, with a core demand for a 35-hour five-day week for all workers. Their protest is also set for 11:00 a.m. at Klauthmonos Square. Teacher unions (DOE, OLME, OIELE) have called on educators to join, demanding withdrawal of the labor bill, repeal of the new disciplinary law, restoration of the 13th and 14th salaries, higher pay, and collective agreements in the public sector. PAME’s rally will begin at 10:30 a.m. at the Propylaea, demanding withdrawal of the new labor bill, abolition of anti-worker laws, a 35-hour week, wage hikes, workplace safety, reinstatement of public sector benefits, and urgent measures against inflation. The Athens Labour Center also urges members, workers, youth, pensioners, and unemployed to strongly participate. Public transport operations are significantly affected. Air traffic remains unaffected after a court ruled the air traffic controllers’ strike illegal. Metro lines 1, 2, and 3, along with the Tram, will operate from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., including airport connections. Bus and trolley drivers observe work stoppages from shift start until 9:00 a.m. and from 9:00 p.m. until shift end. Service resumes gradually after 9:00 a.m. and winds down before 9:00 p.m. Some route cancellations are expected during operating hours, though suburban bus lines will run normally. No trains or Proastiakos services will operate nationwide due to railway worker participation. Passengers are advised to check hellenictrain.gr or call 14511. The Athens Taxi Drivers Association (SATA) has also joined the strike, demanding dignified working conditions.