Troika measures bring on strikes

A new strike begins tomorrow, with trade unionists expressing their dissatisfaction about the Troika’s new measures.

Therefore, our country will remain taxi-free from 5am of Thursday to 5am Friday, while the same will apply on Saturday, with taxi drivers pulling their handbrakes in light of the TIF.

On Thursday September 8th, a 48-hour doctors’ strike is beginning. As stated by the Hellenic Medical Association, the mobilization will take the form of a warning and will occur during these days on the occasion of the Thessaloniki International Fair.

Tax and customs officers will also proceed to a strike. Officials of the Finance Ministry are planning 48-hour strikes next week, thus threatening the smooth processes of government revenue and market supply.

The Teachers’ Federation has also decided on a 24-hour strike on September 22nd because of problems in schools and in terms of the general economic policy.

Teachers point out that they are claiming:

- Immediate elimination of the Memorandum and the medium-term program

- Unified payroll which will upgrade teachers and will treat all employees of the same qualifications fairly and equally. No reductions in wages. The 13th and 14th salaries should be returned and the 2010 losses from cuts should be refunded.

- 1400 euros after taxes for any newly-appointed teacher

- Expenditures on education to 5% of the GDP.

Direct funding of school committees from the state budget

- Recruitment of deputies to cover all gaps in schools