Nationwide 24-hour strike brings Greece to a standstill

A 24-hour nationwide strike brought Greece to a standstill Wednesday, grounding flights, halting ferries, and disrupting public transportation in major cities.

Thousands of workers took to the streets across the country, answering strike calls from Greece's two largest unions, ADEDY and GSEE. Protesters are demanding wage hikes and the return of collective labor agreements, arguing that salaries haven't kept pace with soaring inflation and housing costs.

"What we want to say to the government – and this can only be achieved if people come together, united and in large numbers – is that we need a real wage increase, not just the crumbs they're currently offering," said one protester. "The real issues are housing, public healthcare, education, and strong labor protections."

In Athens, crowds filled Klafthmonos Square and gathered outside the finance ministry, chanting slogans and holding banners demanding better pay and working conditions.

The strike wreaked havoc on transportation. Air traffic controllers joined the walkout, canceling all domestic and international flights. 

Ferries were docked as the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation walked off the job, citing not only low wages but ongoing safety and staffing concerns. Train services were halted nationwide, and metro lines in Athens only operated briefly to allow protest access.

Peaceful but loud and clear

Public transport workers are also pushing for permanent contracts, adequate staffing, and the reinstatement of year-end bonuses that were cut during Greece's financial crisis.

"It's frustrating to see a government that won't invest in public transportation or hospitals — and I'm saying this as a doctor — but always finds money for harmful policies," said another demonstrator. "People are really angry. That didn't start today."

The march toward parliament remained peaceful, but the message was loud and clear: Workers are fed up with what unions describe as economic stagnation and political inaction.

The government insists that recent labor reforms are part of broader efforts to modernize Greece and bring it in line with European Union standards. But many say the reforms fall short.

"The raise the government gave us is less than 50 cents a day," one protester said. "Our pay runs out by the middle of the month. We just can't keep up."

This isn't just a strike — it's a signal. And unions warn: unless their demands are met, more walkouts are likely on the way.