General Strike to Paralyze Greece on October 1 in Protest Against New Labor Law

General Strike in Greece on October 1 Over New Labor Law

Greece will face a nationwide general strike on October 1 2025. The strike was called by the unions of public and private sector workers ADEDY and GSEE along with the Athens Labor Center EKA. It will last for 24 hours in protest against the new labor law that introduces a 13hour workday.

The unions described the proposed changes as a mockery of workers’ rights. They stressed that the law does not provide real wage support and only increases the suffering of employees.

Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis recently announced indirect salary increases through tax declarations to be applied next year. However unions considered these measures insufficient.

Union Demands:

Reinstate the 13th and 14th salaries.
Direct wage increases.
Implement a 35hour fiveday workweek.
Withdraw the proposed 13hour workday law.

Private sector unions also expressed anger and frustration. They demand collective labor agreements for all and a 37.5hour workweek.

The strike is expected to paralyze many sectors. Public services will shut down while retail companies may also join. The Greek Seamen’s Union has already confirmed that ferries and ships will remain docked during the strike. Taxi drivers in Athens have also announced participation.

Although no official announcements have been made yet by public transport unions or air traffic controllers analysts expect significant disruptions in transportation. This is likely to deepen the paralysis across the country on this decisive day.