Αn Athens first instance court on Tuesday afternoon declared a 24-hour strike on Wednesday by Greece’s civil servants’ union, ADEDY, as illegal, accepting, in part, a motion tabled earlier in the day by the education ministry.Wednesday is a test-taking day for high school seniors participating in nationwide university entrance exams.
A union representing middle school educators had earlier requested from the trade union umbrella organization, GSEE, to be excluded from the specific industrial action.
Trade unions and the leftist political opposition in the country are bitterly opposed to a draft bill, expected to be ratified by Parliament on Wednesday, liberalizing the labor market.
Although only touching on trade union activities and unionists’ rights, as far as they are concerned, Greece’s cavernous public sector is not affected by the legislation. Nevertheless, the civil servants’ union and other labor organizations in the wider public sector, such as urban mass transits and utilities, are among the most vocal opponents.
The primary objections by unionists and the leftist opposition are provisions in the draft law allowing wage-earners – not employers – to choose to work longer daily hours, for instance Monday to Thursday for 10 hours per day, and then take the immediately upcoming Friday off. The argument is that employers will pressure and blackmail employees into choosing this option.Additionally, such overtime work would be taken as a day off, and not be paid, another major “sticking point” for the unions.
Latest News
Cruise Industry Opposes New EU Plan for Piraeus Port
According to the Plan, cruise ship passengers will be transported by shuttle boats from Piraeus port to the Peace and Friendship Stadium (SEF), so that they can then travel to Athens
Greek State to Reopen 3.875% Bond on Wed.
Bond of 3.875% is set to mature on March 12, 2029
Critical Week for Greece-Cyprus Cable
The study concluded that the social benefits of the interconnection, totaling 8 billion euros, far outweigh its 1.9 billion euros construction cost, resulting in a net social benefit exceeding 6 billion euros.
Roberta Metsola Re-elected President of European Parliament
Her second term will be for a period of two and a half years
ELSTAT: 1.5% Increase in Business Turnover in May 2024
The most significant increase in turnover in May 2024 compared with May 2023 was recorded from the enterprises of the Accommodation and Food Service Activities, sector which grew by 14.8%.
Cosco: Container Traffic Decline at Piraeus Port Continues
This strategic shift has diminished Piraeus's standing as a prominent Mediterranean port and a key transshipment hub post-Suez Canal.
Gov’t Eyes Return of Power Subsidies Amid Spike in Rates
According to reports, the government will resume an electricity subsidization program, given that forecasts cite disruptions – i.e. higher rates
ELSTAT: 6.3% Increase in Output Price Index for Agriculture and Livestock
The 6.3% rise in May 2024 is largely driven by an 8.8% increase in the crop output group, particularly due to changes in olive oil prices, and a 0.5% increase in the animal output group.
Balkans Blackout Highlights Climate Threats to Power Grids
The surge in electricity demand during the heat wave and the power deficit in Balkan markets have driven up prices in the Greek wholesale electricity market.
Greece in Top 4 Destinations Favored by European Tourists
Greece was selected by 5.9% of respondents who were asked where they would vacation this year, up from 5.4% in the same survey last year