Greek Petroleum Union to Strike

State Workers Strike in Athens

11 October 2011

ATHENS, GREECE – Beginning today, Greek petroleum workers will strike indefinitely. The strike is in response to the government’s plan to cut the workforce and reduce wages. The Panhellenic Federation of Employees in Petroleum Products and Refineries stated it would strike for as long as necessary. The union believes the government wants to dissolve unions. The petroleum union joins other unions on strike as a response to budget measures.

Comment – The union responses are a result of austerity measures undertaken by the Greek government. The government must cut state spending to secure the next loan tranche from the EU, International Monetary Fund and European Central Bank (troika). Inspectors from the troika recently finished examining the Greek books. Troika representatives expect the November loan payment to occur, but has not been officially announced. Greece is already having trouble reaching budget benchmarks set by the troika. The government is highly likely to increase austerity measures to receive future loan payments. The future cuts to state workers wages and layoffs will almost certainly increase tensions between workers and government officials.

Source:

Greek Petroleum Workers Strike Against Government Measures

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2011-10-11/greek-petroleum-workers-strike-against-government-measures.html

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