Greece hit by general strike as workers protest cost of living crisis
People walk near the passenger ships, wich are moored during a 24-hour general strike, in the port of Piraeus, Greece on November 20, 2024. (AA Photo)
Public and private sector workers staged a nationwide strike on Wednesday, bringing much of Greece to a standstill as unions demanded higher wages and government intervention to address a growing cost of living crisis.
The 24-hour walkout disrupted transportation, government services, and health care, with protest rallies held across major cities.
Widespread disruptions across sectors
The strike impacted key services, including schools, hospitals, government offices, and public transport. Ferry and train services were also halted, amplifying the nationwide disruption. Media outlets began their industrial action a day earlier, leaving broadcasts interrupted.
Unions argue that surging inflation and inadequate wages have left many struggling to cover basic living costs.
“The cost of living is sky-high, and our salaries are rock-bottom,” said Yannis Panagopoulos, leader of the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), Greece’s largest private sector union.
Greek government faces mounting pressure
Greece’s Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis‘s government has been criticized for not addressing economic inequality despite Greece’s strong macroeconomic recovery. Mitsotakis recently pledged to raise the minimum wage to €950 ($1,002.40) per month but faced criticism for failing to address rising housing costs, a significant burden for low-income citizens.
The government has touted Greece‘s fiscal recovery, with economic growth outpacing many European Union nations and unemployment rates dropping to 8.3% from nearly 30% during the debt crisis. However, unions insist these gains have not translated into improved living conditions for ordinary citizens.
Economic growth amid rising inequality
Greece’s economy has rebounded impressively since its near-expulsion from the eurozone a decade ago. Tourism has driven much of this recovery, now accounting for over 20% of GDP. Despite this, workers contend that rising costs in retail, telecommunications, and energy are eroding their purchasing power.
“The economic turnaround is real, but it hasn’t reached the average worker,” noted political analyst Yannis Koutsomitsis, adding that public frustration is evident in recent polls.
