Ruptly
"Hundreds of public sector workers took to the streets of Athens on Wednesday as part of a nationwide 24-hour strike demanding better pay and improved working conditions, while also voicing opposition to government defence and foreign policy priorities. Footage shows protesters marching from Klafthmonos Square toward the Greek Parliament, carrying flags and placards and chanting slogans calling for wage increases, permanent hiring in the public sector, and an end to what they described as excessive military spending. "We are here to tell the government that we are against its policies, we demand stable work, 13th and 14th salary, and no reduction of public service personnel," said Giannis Galanopoulos, President of the Federation of Hospital Workers. "We also need to say that our government has to stop any intervention in the war," he added. The demonstration brought together multiple unions representing healthcare workers, civil servants and other public employees, reflecting growing anger over inflation, staffing shortages and austerity measures. "We are here to support the public sector, especially now that the government takes resources from it to support the war effort," said a representative of military personnel unions. "Money should be given to the public sector and not for imperialist wars." Workers’ representative Veta Papantoniou said frustration had built up across workplaces over recent months, accusing the government of prioritising private interests over public welfare. "Enough is enough. We must react, we must demand. […] They choose to support the profits of the few and their rivalries, clashing to grab even more, so they can more effectively exploit workers, wealth-producing resources, transport routes, rare earths, and the like," she said. The civil servants’ umbrella union ADEDY, which organised the strike, said the mobilisation was aimed at defending job security and opposing proposed constitutional changes affecting public sector employment."
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