On November 20, Greece is facing widespread disruptions to transportation as workers from various sectors stage a massive strike.
The walkout involves workers from road, maritime, and railway transport, as well as doctors, teachers, and construction workers. A large demonstration is scheduled to take place in the afternoon in Athens. The workers are protesting the rising cost of living, demanding wage increases to keep up with escalating food prices, rental costs, and energy expenses.
The strike was strategically timed to coincide with the presentation of the government’s 2025 budget proposal. Although the vote on the budget is not expected until December, the proposal projects a 2.3% economic growth rate and an increase in tax revenues, largely driven by the expansion of digital payments and growth in the real estate sector.
While the Greek economy has shown signs of recovery following the debt crisis, the government of Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis has implemented four minimum wage increases since 2019. Mitsotakis has also promised that the minimum wage will reach 950 euros by 2027.
In a related development, journalists in Greece also went on strike the day before in solidarity with the broader labor movement.
Meanwhile, in France, public sector workers are planning their own strike in protest against the 2025 budget proposal.
