A nationwide, union-led strike in Greece against government austerity measures disrupted public transport, state-run schooling and public hospitals Thursday.
More than 7,000 demonstrators marched in three separate demonstrations in Athens, according to the Associated Press. The government has instituted widespread austerity measures in an effort to pay back creditors on schedule.
The government spending cuts are part of requirements the country must meet a series of requirements in order to continue qualifying for emergency loans from its third international bailout since 2010.
Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras announced measures to ease the burden on pensioners and island residents Thursday, in an effort to appease an increasingly restless public.
The government plans to distribute 617 million Euros to 1.6 million low-income pensioners through the Christmas season as a replacement for a holiday bonus cancelled by Greece’s creditors.
Greek journalists staged a strike of their own, pulling all television and radio news broadcasts off the air Wednesday, a day before the larger demonstrations Thursday. The journalists are protesting sweeping social security reforms that will affect their pension funds, according to the Times Union. The media industry has been hit hard by the Greek financial crisis and declining sales in the newspaper business.
Greek Ferry workers continue to strike, which is preventing Greek fruits and vegetables from reaching transport points. The Panhellenic Seamen‘s Federation (PNO) plan to continue its strike through the end of the week, may result in produce rotting away since farmers will be unable to transport it to market.
The ferry workers are demonstrating against increased taxes and recent austerity measures imposed by the government which have resulted in changes to their pensions, as well as pay reductions.
The strikes are placing immense strain on the nation’s ferry and rail networks, as well as the capital city’s transportation network. The embattled Prime Minister is hoping to quell tensions by offering the Christmas bonus to disgruntled workers.
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