General strike and anti-imperialist mobilizations in Greece

PAME Organizes General Strike

Tomorrow, Thursday, 17th of March PAME (All-workers’ militant front) has declared a national wide strike against the austerity policies of the ND government and the EU, as well as against the “liberization” of the working day, the privatizations, the violation of democratic and syndical rights, 23 industrial labour federations, 12 Labour Centers and hundreds of unions have already endorsed the appeal and will participate in the strike, including several unions not affiliated to PAME.

The main demands of the strike concern the creation of new jobs and the protection of the unemployed, minimum salary at 1200 ? and minimum pension of 960?, substantial salary increases, reduction of the working hours, free and exclusively public education and healthcare systems. Also PAME calls upon the workers to demonstrate their NO to the “constitutional treaty” of the EU.

PAME will hold demonstrations and rallies of strikers in the 55 biggest cities and towns all over the country, and various manifestations in workplaces where industrial action will take place.

Anti-Imperialist, Antiwar Manifestations All Around The Country

The Greek Committee for International Peace and Détente (EEDYE) has announced a two-weeks plan of action with demonstrations, manifestations, concerts etc all around the country from 16- 31 of March 2005 on the occasion of the 2 years past from the invasion and occupation of Iraq and the six years past from the aggression on Yugoslavia – and issue that has again risen on the agenda in face of the imperialist manoeuvres promoting an “independent Kosovo”, and a consequent redrawing of the borders in the Balkans, putting again at stake peace, stability and security in the region.

The main manifestation will take place in Athens on Friday 18th of March. The fighters of peace will gather at the Old University at 19:00 and will march to the US embassy.

Demonstrations will also take place on Friday in Thessaloniki, Kavala, Alexandupoli, Kalamata, Patra, Pyrgos, Korinthos, Tripoli, Nafplio, Sparta, Zakinthos, Prevesa, Karditsa, Livadia, Iraklio, Egio, Kefalonia, Xanthi, while on Sunday 20th of March a pan-Cretan demonstration will take place at the US base at Suda Bay.

EEDYE demands the end of the occupation in Iraq and Afganistan, the immediate withdrawal of all foreign troops, the return of all Greek soldiers from abroad, and the abolishment of the US-NATO bases in Greece. It expresses its solidarity with the people that struggle the imperialist aggression and occupation, demands the withdrawal of the NATO and EU troops from the Balkans and vehemently rejects all plans for boarder changes in the region.

Info by
International Section of CPG