Greek Workers Strike for Wages Amid Rising Living Costs
On Wednesday, a widespread strike by Greek workers halted ferry services, grounded flights, and brought train operations to a standstill, as the country's largest trade unions called for higher wages to address the surging cost of living. This labor action reflects the ongoing financial challenges faced by many Greek households despite the nation's recovery from a severe debt crisis that spanned from 2009 to 2018, which led to extensive cuts in wages and pensions as part of a bailout agreement totaling around 290 billion euros.
As Greece anticipates an economic growth rate of 2.3% for the year—outpacing other economies in the eurozone—the conservative government has increased the monthly minimum wage by 35% since 2019, raising it to 880 euros. However, many citizens continue to struggle to meet their basic needs. According to labor unions, the cost of essentials such as food, energy, and housing has escalated, forcing households to reduce their purchasing power, which they estimate has decreased by 10% since 2019.
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), representing over two million private-sector employees, issued a statement highlighting the urgent need for pay increases and collective labor contracts. Striking workers were set to gather in central Athens around noon to vocalize their demands.
A report from Eurostat revealed that Greece’s minimum salary, in terms of purchasing power, ranked among the lowest in the European Union as of January, falling behind Portugal and Lithuania. The average gross salary in the country was still approximately 10% lower than it was in 2010, the year Greece entered its first bailout agreement.
While the country is outperforming its primary surplus targets, allowing some leeway for wage hikes, the government remains cautious. Authorities emphasize the importance of maintaining fiscal prudence to manage the nation’s considerable debt, which remains the highest in the eurozone. The government has committed to raising the minimum wage to 950 euros by 2027, with a longer-term goal of achieving an average gross monthly salary of 1500 euros, more in line with EU standards.
However, the relentless rise in monthly living expenses is widening the gap between wages and the cost of living. "It’s a gap that keeps getting bigger because of price hikes and inflation affecting energy and medicines," expressed Angelos Galanopoulos from the Seafarers Union. Furthermore, public sector employees, who were impacted by austerity measures aimed at curbing government spending, have also joined the strike, advocating for the reinstatement of annual bonuses that were eliminated over the past decade.
This strike serves as a crucial reminder of the ongoing economic struggles faced by many in Greece, illustrating the need for policy changes that can better support workers in a recovering economy.
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