Greek PM Samaras holds cuts talks amid new wave of walkouts
Monday 10 September 2012
Printable
EmailGreek Prime Minister Antonis Samaras gave nothing away today after talks with the country's creditors, saying: "It's a tough discussion because the measures are tough."
The lenders are demanding yet more cuts, but a day prior to the meeting Mr Samaras had failed to convince his coalition government partners.
And trade unions are intensifying actions against the cuts, with the main ADEDY civil servants' union warning today that it plans to call a general strike "in the immediate future," together with the GSEE public-sector union.
Also today, university professors launched a two-day strike during the autumn exam period, while staff at technical universities are out all week.
Academics say the new cuts will take more than 25 per cent off their pay - which has already been reduced by 25 per cent over the past two years.
State nursery and primary-school teachers will also be on strike on Wednesday, the second day of the school year, while secondary-school teachers will hold work stoppages and tax collectors will strike on Thursday.
If you appreciated this article then please consider donating to the Morning Star's Fighting Fund to ensure we can keep developing your paper.
Editorial
It doesn't have to be like this
Official inflation figures understate the real extent of rising costs, but even the government's own CPI scheme lays bare the ongoing misery for working people and those dependent on benefits.
Features
A strategy for our victory
The Con-Dems have had it their way too long. We have to turn this country around
Education for all: let's make it a reality
How high-quality primary schooling could help solve global poverty