BY GEORGES MEHRABIAN
ATHENS, Greece - Fifteen thousand union members marched through the streets of Athens April 9 in the largest demonstration by workers in this country in the 1990s. There were also actions in Thessaloníki and other cities as part of a general strike called by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE).

It was the culmination of three days of strikes and demonstrations called against the social democratic government's assault on the unions at Olympic Airways. The government submitted a bill to parliament that would end the eight-hour day, impose an 18 percent wage cut, and reduce the number of seasonal workers at the state-owned national airline.

By far the largest contingent consisted of members of the Federation of Unions of Civil Aviation (OSPA), which organizes the Olympic Airways workers.

Close to a thousand flight attendants, mechanics, ground staff, and other airline workers marched while ringing hand- held bells. Shipyard workers, garment workers, nurses, teachers, and others also joined in the march.

The strike shut down public transport, ports, and many other state-owned enterprises for much of the day.

The western terminal at Athens airport, home of Olympic Airways, was paralyzed. Most of its flights were canceled, though a few made it due to staffing by "safety" personnel. These workers are assigned by the union and are required by law to work during a work stoppage.

The Greek government is implementing a series of austerity measures. In the eastern terminal of the airport, where the foreign flagged airlines are based, the Federation of Civil Foreign Airlines Employees (OPXAE) called for a 24- hour solidarity strike. For most union members it was their first strike action there.

The concessions the government demanded at Olympic Airways have already been imposed at the foreign airlines. Fifty percent of the work force in the eastern terminal was assigned to "safety" crews, insuring that each airline had one flight for every destination.

In a compromise voted into law by parliament, the OSPA granted substantial concessions. The government obtained a 45,000 drachma ($140) monthly pay cut for every worker. Cabin crews flight hours have been increased from 70 hours per month to 80 hours per month, with the company having the option to impose 90 hours for three months each year. In addition, family members are no longer eligible for free tickets. At the chauvinist request of the union officials, the government agreed that Olympic would not employ workers from other countries.

The new agreement has resulted in substantial opposition within the union itself. Pilots, mechanics, and some ground staff have been working to rule and refusing to work on days off since the passage of the bill. This had led to substantial delays in flights. On April 13 general assemblies of the unions are to be held to approve the compromise bill.

Meanwhile, National Economy Minister Yiannos Papantoniou has announced that the government will be presenting a bill in parliament allowing all employers to force unpaid overtime in exchange for time off. The new bill would also allow 20 percent of the workforce at each company to be made part-time.  
 
 
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