GSEE: ‘A paltry offering for private sector workers’
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), representing the private sector, expressed its dismay, stating that the government’s announcements lacked meaningful initiatives to improve the lives of workers. “There were no substantial proposals to address the daily struggles of private sector employees, either on an individual or collective level,” a GSEE statement read.
Firefighters: ‘Once again, we’re left with nothing’
Seasonal firefighters also reacted with frustration. In a pointed statement, they noted that they had hoped to hear about plans for professional rehabilitation, only to be left disappointed. “Instead, we heard about a 20% increase in night shift compensation for the Armed Forces, Police, and Fire Brigade,” they said, calling the government’s approach a “fiasco” that neglects their urgent needs.
The Seasonal Firefighters’ Union called for immediate and sustained protests in Athens, highlighting the government’s refusal to address a personnel shortage of over 4,000 positions. “In one month, we will be unemployed again,” the union declared, accusing the government of failing to cover critical gaps in the firefighting force.
LARCO Workers’ Union: ‘€1,000 per month for the unemployed’
The LARCO Workers’ Union of Larymna took aim at Mitsotakis’ comments regarding the promotion of the primary sector and exports. The union called for immediate financial relief for its members, demanding €1,000 per month for each unemployed worker left without income after job losses at the state-owned company.
Pensioners: ‘We are the forgotten ones’
Retirees have emerged as another group voicing significant anger. The United Network of Pensioners (ENDISY) decried the Prime Minister’s pension reforms as inadequate. “Mitsotakis is playing with numbers, misleading the public,” the organisation said, criticising the planned pension increase of 2.2-2.5% in 2025, which they argue fails to keep pace with inflation, currently at 3.1%. The union accused the government of continuing a long-standing pattern of neglect, with pensioners bearing the brunt of austerity measures for years.
ENDISY also criticised the prime minister for failing to address the reinstatement of the EKAS allowance for low-income pensioners or retroactive benefits owed to 370,000 retirees. The organisation labelled the one-off payments of between €100 and €200, which are meant to cover losses in annual increases, as “hypocritical” and “insufficient.”
Coastguards: ‘A 3.5 euro insult’
Coastguards, meanwhile, have denounced the announced 20% increase in night shift compensation as an insult. “In real terms, it amounts to an additional €3.50 per eight-hour shift, which is far from recognising our critical role in protecting the country,” the Coastguards’ union said. They argued that the government had ignored their demands for better working conditions, including a recognition of their work as “dangerous and unhealthy,” which would bring more substantial benefits.
Police Federation: ‘Mockery and hypocrisy’
The Panhellenic Federation of Police Employees (POASY) joined in the chorus of criticism, calling the night shift compensation increase of €0.55 per hour a “bad joke.” They accused the government of indifference and ridiculed its justification of the small raise as a “symbolic move” due to budget constraints. “We don’t accept such ‘generosity’, not even as a joke,” the police union stated, promising further protests in the coming weeks if the government continues to ignore their demands.
OENGE: ‘Increases based on 1983 salaries’
The Federation of Associations of Hospital Doctors of Greece (OENGE) dismantled the prime minister’s claims of increased allowances for hospital doctors, highlighting that these were calculated on the basis of 1983 salaries. “The supposed raises are an insult to the doctors who hold up the public health system,” OENGE said, adding that the government’s announcements amounted to little more than a public relations exercise.
Hoteliers: ‘Airbnb measures don’t solve the problem’
In the tourism sector, the Panhellenic Federation of Hoteliers (POX) expressed frustration over the government’s handling of short-term rental platforms like Airbnb. The federation’s president, Yiannis Hatzis, said the lack of concrete restrictions on short-term rentals would do little to address the challenges facing the sector. “Tourist spending power is declining, operating costs are rising, and pre-bookings for 2025 are already showing signs of strain,” Hatzis warned. He criticised the government for “digging ever deeper into corporate coffers” and failing to provide a long-term plan for the tourism industry.
______________________________________________
Are you seeking news from Greece presented from a progressive, non-mainstream perspective? Subscribe monthly or annually to support TPP International in delivering independent reporting in English. Don’t let Greek progressive voices fade.
Make sure to reference “TPP International” and your order number as the reason for payment.