On Thursday, May 27, the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) organized massive mobilizations in Athens and other parts of the country demanding withdrawal of the anti-worker bill introduced by the conservative New Democracy (ND) government. Thousands joined the mobilization at the Constitution Square in Athens. Marches were held in many places, including Thessaloniki, Patras, Ioannina, and Volos. Several mobilizations were also held from May 28 to 31. Cadres of the Communist Youth of Greece (KNE) participated in the mobilizations.
On May 12, the Greek labor minister Kostis Hatzidakis outlined the details of the bill saying that it introduces flexibility to the eight-hour workday by allowing employees to work up to 10 hours on one day and fewer on others or take time off. The bill proposes making Sunday a working day, restricting union activities and curtailing the right to strike. The bill also introduces a ”digital work card to monitor employees working hours in real time, as well as increase legal overtime to 150 hours a year.”
While addressing the mobilization in Athens on Thursday, the secretary general of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) Dimitris Koutsoumbas said that the anti-labor bill of the ND government continues to attack the victories of the workers achieved through years of struggle.
Earlier on May 13, Greek trade unions organized mass mobilizations across the country protesting the bill. The communist trade union, All Workers Militant Front (PAME), has given a call for national strike against the bill on June 3.
