On April 9, thousands of Greeks took to the streets of Athens as a nationwide strike disrupted flights, ferries, and public transit. Workers from multiple sectors protested stagnant wages that haven't kept up with soaring costs of living, despite economic recovery since Greece’s debt crisis. Labor unions say inflation has eroded purchasing power, with many households struggling to afford basics like housing and food. Protesters are calling for meaningful pay increases and the return of bonuses lost during austerity. The government has pledged gradual wage hikes but insists it must remain fiscally cautious due to high national debt.
See "Thousands protest in Athens as strike over wages halts ships, planes and trains", Angeliki Koutantou and Stamos Prousalis, Reuters, April 9, 2025