Greek workers staged a nationwide job walkout on March 12, grounding flights, crippling public transit and leaving garbage piled up in the streets. Public and private sector strikes and protests have been occurring for many days, and workers are promising more if needed.
Workers are outraged at proposed pension “reforms,” which will completely undo the pension system if passed. The bill extends the retirement age to 65 and discourages early retirement. Women with young children will no longer be able to retire at 50.
The walkout was organized by the General Confederation of Greek Workers, which represents over 2.5 million members.
The bill “is a monstrosity,” said Yannis Panagopoulos, president of the General Confederation of Greek workers. “It targets the weakest link of the pension system: working mothers and new laborers.”
The actions will culminate in a 24-hour nationwide strike on March 19.
