Carrying black balloons and banners, the protesters demonstrated against conditions in the National Health System, demanding pay rises, permanent staff and improved working conditions. They described a health service operating at its limits every day, with the burden falling on workers and ultimately being passed on to patients.
‘We cannot support our families with dignity’
Michalis Giannakos, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Workers in Public Hospitals (POEDIN), said:
‘With this caravan to save public healthcare, we want to send a message to the prime minister that this is his last chance to reverse the situation and make the National Health System an attractive place to work. This can only be achieved by raising salaries. We cannot support our families with dignity. We are now looking for work abroad or in the private sector. A nurse earns €868, while an ambulance driver earns €700. In many sectors, we are below the poverty line. In the future, these needs will end up being covered exclusively by the private sector.’
Tension outside ERT3
Tensions arose when the march reached the ERT3 public broadcaster building, where riot police formed a cordon and prevented demonstrators from continuing.
Healthcare workers asked the police officers positioned at the site to allow them to proceed towards the Vellideio Conference Centre and hang a banner. Police refused, and protesters then attempted to break through the cordon.
Carrying black balloons and banners, the protesters demonstrated against conditions in the National Health System, demanding pay rises, permanent staff and improved working conditions. They described a health service operating at its limits every day, with the burden falling on workers and ultimately being passed on to patients.
‘We cannot support our families with dignity’
Michalis Giannakos, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Workers in Public Hospitals (POEDIN), said:
‘With this caravan to save public healthcare, we want to send a message to the prime minister that this is his last chance to reverse the situation and make the National Health System an attractive place to work. This can only be achieved by raising salaries. We cannot support our families with dignity. We are now looking for work abroad or in the private sector. A nurse earns €868, while an ambulance driver earns €700. In many sectors, we are below the poverty line. In the future, these needs will end up being covered exclusively by the private sector.’
Tension outside ERT3
Tensions arose when the march reached the ERT3 public broadcaster building, where riot police formed a cordon and prevented demonstrators from continuing.
Healthcare workers asked the police officers positioned at the site to allow them to proceed towards the Vellideio Conference Centre and hang a banner. Police refused, and protesters then attempted to break through the cordon.
______________________________________________
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.