A large-scale nationwide strike is set to take place in Greece on Wednesday, 9 April, as multiple unions representing air traffic controllers, maritime workers, and private education staff join forces to protest against poor working conditions and insufficient wages. " We can't take it anymore... Some try to convince us that the country is economically strong, with prosperity reflected in the statistics and poverty being merely... imaginary (as a government minister boldly claimed). However, the reality is entirely different," stresses the Federation of Private Educators of Greece.

Air traffic controllers to join 24-hour strike

The Hellenic Air Traffic Controllers’ Association has announced its participation in the 24-hour strike called by ADEDY, the civil servants’ union. The strike will last from 00:01 to 24:00, during which only a limited number of flights will be serviced. These include overflights within Athens FIR, flights carrying heads of state or government officials, operational and scheduled exercises of the Hellenic Air Force, emergency and hospital flights, humanitarian aid missions, and search and rescue operations.

Seafarers calls for fair pay and job protections

The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has confirmed its involvement in the general strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE). Key demands include the enforcement of collective labour agreements, an increase in unemployment benefits from the current €350 to align with mainland standards, and stricter penalties for violations of working hours and rest periods. The federation is also calling for the full implementation of maritime labour laws regarding crew working conditions, particularly on high-speed passenger ferries operating in the Adriatic Sea.

PNO has criticised the government for failing to address long-standing concerns despite previous commitments to improve maritime safety and employment conditions. It emphasised that many of these demands are directly tied to the safety of sea transport and the protection of human life at sea.

Private education workers demand fair wages

The Federation of Private Educators of Greece (OIELE) has also declared its participation in the strike, citing deteriorating working conditions and stagnant wages. A demonstration is planned for 10:30 AM at Klafthmonos Square in Athens.

OIELE argues that while private schools are experiencing a surge in student enrolments and attracting substantial investment from foreign funds and shipping capital, the benefits do not reach teachers. The union highlights that salaries remain significantly lower than a decade ago, following a drastic 40% cut in 2012. Many educators are expected to work longer hours without additional pay, particularly in kindergartens.

In the broader private education sector, teachers in tutorial centres and language schools have seen their wages slashed since the financial crisis, with hourly rates dropping as low as €2.92 before being partially restored to approximately €8.50. Meanwhile, instructors at private vocational colleges earn as little as €4 to €5 per hour, in stark contrast to their public-sector counterparts who earn between €12 and €27.

OIELE is demanding the restoration of pre-2012 salary levels, the reinstatement of Christmas and holiday bonuses, and the reintroduction of collective bargaining agreements to secure fair pay. The union warns that the rising cost of living has significantly eroded purchasing power, with many workers struggling to afford basic necessities.

“We can’t take it anymore…

Some try to convince us that the country is economically strong, with prosperity reflected in the statistics and poverty being merely… imaginary (as a government minister boldly claimed). However, the reality is entirely different.”

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