Greek Health Workers Launch 48-Hour Nationwide Strike Over Working Conditions

Nationwide Industrial Action

Public health workers across Greece have launched a 48-hour strike, bringing significant disruption to the country's public hospital system. The industrial action, organized by the Federation of Hospital Doctors of Greece (OENGE), involves medical staff demanding urgent government intervention to address long-standing grievances within the National Health System (ESY).

Core Demands of the Strike

The primary drivers behind the walkout center on the sustainability of the public healthcare sector. Participants are calling for concrete improvements, specifically highlighting the following issues:

• Increased wages to combat the rising cost of living and inflation.
• Massive recruitment of permanent medical and nursing staff to alleviate chronic understaffing.
• Improved working conditions to prevent burnout and the exodus of medical professionals.
• Increased state funding for public hospitals.

Representatives of the striking workers have stated that the current situation is 'unsustainable' and that the government's failure to invest in the system is compromising patient care.

Impact on Healthcare Services

During the 48-hour period, public hospitals are operating with emergency staff only, focusing exclusively on urgent and life-threatening cases. Scheduled surgeries and non-emergency outpatient appointments have been postponed across the country. The strike highlights the growing tension between healthcare unions and the government regarding the future of public health services in Greece.

Government Response

The government has acknowledged the challenges facing the healthcare sector but maintains that reforms are already underway. Officials have emphasized the need for fiscal responsibility while attempting to negotiate with union representatives. As the strike continues, the focus remains on whether these negotiations will lead to a resolution or if further industrial action will be planned by the unions.