The open air market vendors and produces have decided to go an indefinite strike in response to a draft bill by the Ministry of Growth which introduces a number of significant changes to market operation. The protesters have arranged a series of rallies in Athens and Thessaloniki, where they will march to Parliament and the Ministry of Macedonia-Thrace respectively.
The strike was caused by a draft bill by the Ministry of Growth, which the unions of vendors and producers have dismissed, as “they threaten 50,000 families, by serving the interests of the big interests”. Amongst the controversial bill’s provisions are increased fines, limitations on the number of participating vendors and the spatial distinction between producers and vendors.
The Deputy Minister of Growth Athanasios Skordas claimed that the bill will not result in any job losses and that it aims to support the unemployed and vulnerable social groups. The Deputy Minister further argued that consumers will benefit greatly from the changes and accused “those inciting the strike” of looking out for their personal interests over sector-wide interests.
The unions have argued that the provisions will be detrimental in the development of consumer trust, which in turn will have an impact on agricultural production. Additionally, the unions do not want the implication of municipalities in the operation of the markets and argued that the fines will only exacerbate matters.
