Greeks launch 48-hour strike over proposed tax, pension reforms
-
Thousands of protesters gather in front of the Greek parliament in Athens during a rally against proposed pension reforms, February 12, 2016. (Photo by AFP)
People in Greece have launched a 48-hour general strike to protest against government-proposed legislation to introduce tax and pension reforms.
The Greeks swarmed the streets on Friday after two major workers’ unions in the country declared a 48-hour nationwide walkout for May 6 and 7.
The strike called by the General Confederation of Workers (GSEE) and the state Executive Civil Servant’s Associations (ADEDY) would affect the shipping, public transport, and media sections. Government offices, too, will stay closed.
The Greeks are protesting the proposed new set of laws aimed at raising social security contributions, increasing income taxes for high earners, and introducing a new national pension.
The laws are being introduced under terms of an international multi-billion-euro bailout the government signed up to last year.
Greek lawmakers are now debating the new measures and are expected to put them to a vote on May 8. The indebted government in Athens hopes the legislation would help persuade creditors to approve the release of bailout cash.
A tranche of about 5 billion euros in bailout money is now pending following the failure of talks over the pace of reforms Greece has to undertake.
SS
