The Alternate Minister of Administrative Reform Giorgos Katrougalos has submitted a bill in Parliament which aims to bring an end to civil mobilization, as used by previous governments to tackle strikes. The bill will be discussed and voted upon in the next few days.

Additionally, the bill contains provisions for the immediate restoration of suspended employees, as well as the reconstitution of sectors and the appointment of civil servants via ASEP exams that had frozen due to the bailout-mandated austerity.

When SYRIZA was in the opposition, it consistently denounced the civil mobilization of strikers as a deeply undemocratic action. Previous governments have used civil mobilization orders to end strikes in public transport, education and the energy sector.

According to the new bill, civil mobilization will only be permitted in case of a war, for the country’s defense or in order to address an “Act of God” or a threat against public health. The bill also gives the Prime Minister the final say in issuing mobilization orders.