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HomeWorld HeadlinesUnions in Greece call widespread strikes, seeking a return to bargaining rights...

Unions in Greece call widespread strikes, seeking a return to bargaining rights axed during bailouts

ATHENS, Greece — Strikes called by Greeceā€™s largest labor union halted ferries and public transport services in Athens and elsewhere Wednesday.

The General Confederation of Greek Labor, GSEE, called the strikes to press for a return of collective bargaining rights axed more than a decade ago during a severe financial crisis.

Hundreds of protesters began gathering in central Athens to attend a demonstration planned for later Wednesday.

The 24-hour strikes kept ferries at ports and disrupted other public services, leaving some state-run hospitals running on emergency staffing levels.

Greece has returned to robust economic growth and an investment-grade sovereign bond rating following a series of international bailouts and a severe recession during the 2010-18 crisis.

But unions argue that many labor rights removed as a temporary measure during the bailout-era have not been restored.

ā€œWe were told during the bailouts that the (measures) would only last for a few years until Greece gets back on its feet. Thatā€™s not whatā€™s happening now,ā€ GSEE leader Yiannis Panagopoulos told a news conference ahead of the strike.

ā€œRestoring labor laws, collective and individual working rights, costs nothing. And it gives us the tools to seek fair pay.ā€

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