“Strike fever” grips the nation

The reactions against the government’s ambitious suspension program are going to reach a climax this week, with a number of unions and sectors taking to the streets.

ADEDY, the country’s largest public sector union, has announced a 48-hour strike for all public sector employees, which will take place on Wednesday the 18^th and Thursday the 19^th of September. A rally will take place at Klafthmonos square on Wednesday at 11:30am. Walk outs will come into effect on Monday, from 11:30 until the end of the shift, to facilitate attendance at rallies.

The employees at insurance funds, unemployment agency OAED and the Ministry of Labor’s services are on 5-day rolling strikes as of Monday, in protest to the induction of 618 employees in the suspension program.

Secondary school teacher federation OLME has also announced 5-day rolling strikes that come into effect on Monday, while private school teachers will go on a 48-hour strike on Monday and Tuesday, before reassessing their stance. The primary school teacher union DOE has decided against OLME’s strike and instead plans to participate in the ADEDY strike on the 18^th and 19^th of September.

The developments in the healthcare sector have prompted hospital doctors to call a three day, nation-wide strike from Tuesday the 17^th of September until Thursday the 19^th of September. The doctors are protesting in reaction to the suspensions program and upcoming hospital mergers.

ADEDY’s executive committee will convene with civil servant federations on Thursday to discuss the strike. On Saturday the 21^st of September, the General Council will convene to decide upon future actions.