Greece is preparing for a 24-hour nationwide strike on Tuesday, December 16 2025, with thousands of public sector and municipal workers expected to walk off the job. The strike, announced by major labor unions POE-OTA and ADEDY, is aimed at the government’s draft budget and current wage policies, which unions say are worsening living conditions.

Municipal Services and Public Administration Join the Strike

The first strike call came from POE-OTA, the federation representing local government employees across the country. As a result, municipal offices, social services and public utilities in many cities are expected to operate on limited schedules or remain closed for the day.

The action has also been endorsed by ADEDY, Greece’s largest public sector union confederation. Following its 39th Congress, ADEDY confirmed that the strike will have a nationwide scope, covering employees throughout state administration.

Public Transportation Remains Uncertain

As of now, there is no final decision regarding the participation of public transport workers. This includes employees of:

• Athens Metro,

• suburban rail services,

• trams,

• city buses.

Union representatives indicated that announcements could be made at the last minute, raising concerns about possible major transportation disruptions, particularly in the capital.

Key Demands of the Protesters

Workers taking part in the strike are calling for:

• meaningful wage increases,

• permanent employment contracts instead of temporary positions,

• the repeal of regulations limiting job stability in the public sector,

• increased funding for local governments,

• protection of public social services,

• measures to address rising prices and declining purchasing power.

Among the central demands is the repeal of the so-called “Borydis provision,” which unions argue prevents temporary workers from being offered permanent contracts.

Major Rally Planned in Athens

A central demonstration is scheduled for 11:00 a.m. on December 16 at Syntagma Square, in front of the Greek Parliament. Labor unions are urging widespread participation in rallies organized by federations, labor centers and trade unions across the country.

The strike also serves as a protest against the government budget proposed by the ruling New Democracy party, which unions say fails to address the needs of public sector employees. At the same time, ADEDY has expressed full solidarity with farmers, who continue road blockades and protests in several regions of Greece.

Union leaders stress that December 16 could mark one of the most significant days of social protest this year, with the scale of participation expected to send a clear message of opposition to current government policies.

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