Private sector union plans action over pension reform

Greece’s main private sector union, GSEE, announced Tuesday that it will hold a 48-hour strike whenever the government submits its pension reform plan to Parliament.

In a statement, the union voiced its “complete opposition” to the cuts, worth 1.8 billion euros, stipulated in the bailout deal and accused the government of introducing measures that are tantamount to “a gravestone for pensioners that in no way will secure the sustainability of the social security system.”

“The struggle is a one-way street,” it said, adding that the measures are only the first batch of austerity with more to follow.

The Panhellenic Seamen’s Union (PNO) also said on Monday that it too plans to stage a 48-hour strike when the pension reform bill is tabled in Parliament.