Strike action

The Athens and Piraeus hospital doctors' association (EINAP) announced Tuesday that it would join Thursday's 24-hour general strike called by the country's biggest labor unions - representing public and private sector workers - to protest plans for labor reforms and tax hikes.

Shipping Minister Panayiotis Kouroublis on Tuesday said that ongoing strike action by ferry workers "does not make any sense" and called on their union, PNO, to return to the table for talks.

After discussion with the minister reached a deadlock on Monday, PNO announced a fresh 48-strike that will result in Greece's islands being cut off from the mainland for a full week on Thursday.

Greece will be brought to a halt on Thursday as the country's biggest labor unions - representing public and private sector workers - have announced a 24-hour general strike to protest plans for labor reforms and tax hikes.

The action will also disrupt transport as buses and trolley will be out of service from 9 a.m until 9 p.m., when the shift ends. 

In protest at the latest round of pension cuts, a worsening tax status and increased job insecurity, seamen have declared a new 48-hour strike that will keep ships docked until Tuesday.

There will be no services on the Greek capital's ISAP electric railway from 9 p.m. on Friday night as workers continue protest action.

Workers on fixed-track transport have been holding walk-offs and strikes in recent weeks to protest what their union says is a number of unresolved issues concerning the company's operation and workers' rights.

Greece will be without any ferry services for two days after the Seamen's Union (PNO) called a 48-hour strike starting at 6 a.m. on Friday and ending Sunday morning.

PNO has warned of an escalation of action if the government does not address its concerns regarding planned changes to special tax regulations relating to workers in the sector.

Thessaloniki was expected to remain without bus service at least until Monday after workers went on strike on Saturday demanding unpaid salaries.

The Thessaloniki Urban Transport Organization (OASTH) said it will pursue legal action on Monday to stop the strike but workers appeared adamant they will not back down from their demands.

Omonia square in downtown Athens has been shut down due to protests against the government’s plans concerning labour reforms, after the Union of Greek Civil Servants (ADEDY) have called a 24-hour strike. The Greek Communist Party’s (KKE) union branch of PAME have gathered at Omonia, while the demonstration of ADEDY members started at 11am.

Greek public-sector workers went on strike on Thursday to protest labour and pension reforms and state asset sales which the government agreed with the country's official creditors in exchange for loans.

Labor Minister Efi Achtsioglou is to meet on Tuesday with representatives of Greece's international creditors for talks on labor reforms that form part of the second bailout review.

According to sources, the 31-year-old minister, who has succeeded Giorgos Katrougalos, is to focus on four main points in her negotiations with the foreign envoys.