Athens, Greece – On April 9, X user Partizan Yunanistan posted a video of the general strike protests in Greece. They reported that tens of thousands of people, including workers, students, and teachers, gathered at Stadiou Street and marched to Syntagma Square, responding to calls from trade unions and political parties.

The 24-hour strike, organized by the country’s main public and private sector unions, disrupted daily life. Flights and ferries were suspended, and public transport in Athens ran only part-time. Unions are demanding salary increases and the restoration of collective bargaining rights, lost during Greece’s financial crisis bailouts.

Thousands of protesters marched peacefully through central Athens in two separate demonstrations. Trade unionist Alekos Perrakis said, “We demand increases for all salaries, which aren’t enough to last until even the 20th of the month.” He also called for better healthcare and education.

The strike comes as Greece faces a rising cost of living. The General Confederation of Workers of Greece noted that many spend over 40% of their income on housing and heating. Hotel chef Georgios Skoufos added, “Wage increases are wiped out by high costs, forcing us to cut back to survive.”

Public sector union ADEDY demanded the return of holiday bonuses for civil servants, cut during austerity measures. Commercial flights were grounded from midnight Wednesday to midnight Thursday, while the cost of living crisis fuels fears of further hardship amid global financial concerns.

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