Thousands Strike in Greece over Rising Living Costs

Transportaton in Greece, including Bus and train stations ground to a halt on Wednesday and other public services were closed as unions called for a 24-hour strike against rising living costs.

Boats travelling from the mainland to the Aegean and Ionian islands were also affected, with members of the seamen's union joining the strike, and bus, metro, train, school, court and hospital workers joining the walkout, according to AFP.

Thousands of people headed to central Athens for a demonstration called by unions, with police initially estimating the turnout at around 13,000.

The Greek General Confederation of Workers said the strike was "a response to the government's refusal to take measures to ensure a decent life for workers". "The government must understand that the prosperity of society depends on the prosperity of workers," it said in a statement, calling for demonstrations in Athens and other cities.

“Urgent action is needed to combat rising prices, unaffordable housing and persistent low wages,” said Esther Lynch, general secretary of the European Trade Union Confederation, which said she was in Greece to support the measure.

There is growing anger in Greece over not just rising food prices but also housing, especially in Athens, in a country where low wages are widespread.

Inflation recorded 2.4% year-on-year in October, the national statistics office said.

The Greek journalists’ union also staged its own 24-hour strike on Tuesday, demanding new collective agreements. The last strike was in 2008, before Greece’s devastating financial crisis.

The unions, which have called several strikes since the start of the year, are denouncing the policies of the current conservative government, led by Kyriakos Mitsotakis, who was re-elected last year for a new four-year term.

Mitsotakis recently announced plans to boost people's purchasing power by increasing the minimum wage, currently at €830, and pensions starting in January 2025.