Labour Day demonstrations concluded across Greece

The May Day events are wrapping up, and downtown Athens is reopening its streets.

Across Greece, significant demonstrations and marches are underway as part of the May Day celebrations, particularly in central Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras. These rallies pay tribute to historic workers’ struggles and focus on advocating for better labor rights and conditions.

The primary gathering in Athens is taking place at Syntagma Square, where the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY), and the Athens Labor Center are advocating for “Workplace dignity, fair wages, quality of life.” Marchers have already begun parading through the city, with similar events occurring at the Venizelos Statue and White Tower in Thessaloniki.

In Patras, a rally organized by the local labor center took place at Georgiou Square, followed by a march through the city’s main streets. Participants included workers from both the public and private sectors, student groups, and various organizations. Unfortunately, the day also saw some clashes, as around 100 members of the anarchist movement obstructed Corinthou Street.

Currently, several roads in Athens have been closed, and public transport is operating on adjusted schedules to accommodate commuters. Citizens are advised to stay updated through official channels and live streams.

One significant issue raised was the case of Kostas Gendedounias, a former Hellenic Train employee who was dismissed without warning. He believes his termination is linked to his efforts to expose accountability related to the Tempi train disaster. The GSEE has condemned this dismissal and is calling for protections for both workers and whistleblowers.

Protesters continue their mobilizations, advocating for labor rights and improved working conditions, with ongoing live coverage and photographic updates from demonstrations nationwide.

Images from the rally in Patras

Thessaloniki rally coverage

During the May Day march at Syntagma Square, Kostas Gendidounias voiced his shock regarding his unexpected dismissal from Hellenic Train. He mentioned that he had no prior disciplinary issues during his two decades with the company and had never escalated matters to supervisory bodies. Gendidounias suggested that his firing was retaliation for his efforts to reveal responsibility related to the Tempi train disaster, indicating that others who spoke out faced similar fates. GSEE’s General Secretary Nikos Fotopoulos condemned the company’s actions, stressing that legislation should have protected him as a whistleblower for acting in the public interest.