GSEE angry at being left out of reform talks

The head of Greece’s main private sector union suggested on Friday that a strike may be called so workers can voice their protests about the government’s pension reform plan.

GSEE chief Yiannis Panagopoulos indicated he was upset that the government met with representatives of employers’ associations on Thursday to discuss a planned increase in social security contributions but did not invite GSEE or other unions.

“The government is excluding everyone that does not agree with the monstrous pension reform plan it is putting forward,” he said.

Panagopoulos said that GSEE representatives would meet on January 15 to decide what action to take.

The unions representing police, fire service and coast guard employees also highlighted their disappointment with the coalition’s plans and indicated that they are prepared to organize a strike.