Labour Day Brings Rallies & Strikes

A large Athenian labor union demonstration at Klafthmonos Square, was conducted peacefully this afternoon; closed roads are now being opened for regular traffic. Related rallies occurred in major cities, such as Thessaloniki and Patras.

The Athens Labour Centre, ADEDY and GSEE have implemented a 24-hour strike for the entirety of May 1st. The various demonstrations have been deemed by organizers as resistance efforts, regarding austerity measures, labour disruptions and EU policies. The rallies are also being held as a tribute to union founders and workers.

Streets surrounding Syntagma Square were blocked off for the rally and its Metro stop was closed. Proastiakos and Hellenic Railways are on a 24-hour strike today. Urban trolleys and busses are running on a Sunday schedule today and will cease at 9:00 p.m. ISAP, Athens Metro and the tram are regularly operating, as of 9:00 a.m.. Piraeus Port Authority employees have also organized a strike, in protest of port privatization.