Greek journalists strike against pension reforms
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People stand outside the Greek parliament building near a poster calling for a general strike in Athens, Greece, February 2, 2016. (AFP photo)
Greek media on Wednesday pulled all news broadcast off the airwaves and news websites were left without updates ahead of a general strike set to disrupt services across the country in protest against pension reforms promised to international creditors.
The newspaper staff also quit their offices so that no prints will be available on Thursday.
The 24-hour labor action comes one day ahead of the general strike called by Greek unions which will see all schools and public offices shut down. State-run hospitals have also declared that they will operate on emergency staff only.
The strike action is directed against the government’s plans to lower the maximum pension to 2,300 euros a month from the current 2,700 euros.
The nationwide strike is also against a new minimum guaranteed basic pension of 384 euros.
The administration of Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras seeks to merge pension funds and increase social security contributions by both employers and staff.
The plan, which is part of Greece’s promises to its international creditors for carrying out reforms in the economy, has been criticized by a wide array of professional classes, from lawyers and engineers to sailors and farmers.
ME
