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EI and the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) have condemned the latest developments in the negotiation between the national government and the Troika (European Commission, European Central Bank [ECB], and International Monetary Fund [IMF]) that would smash minimum wages, collective agreements and rights in Greece.

This set of austerity measures imposed on Greece - a pre-requisite for releasing a new financial aid package - has crossed a line, requiring a strong reaction from the whole trade union movement in Europe and worldwide.

“No to mediaeval labour conditions!”

Thousands of Greeks joined in a general strike on 7 February to protest against new austerity measures, chanting: “No to mediaeval labour conditions!”

Greek political leaders have also postponed their decision on an austerity package, including a loosening of public sector job protections.

“What is currently at stake in Greece affects all workers from all sectors, in all countries, especially in Europe,” said Martin Rømer, Director of EI European Region, the European Trade Union Committee for Education (ETUCE). “It is our duty not to let a failing financial system take the opportunity of the Greek crisis to test its ability to impose the wildest form of capitalism on the people of a sovereign country.”

Referring to the statement from the ETUCE Committee, issued in October 2011, and calling for solidarity with Greek workers, Rømer added: “One year of austerity in Greece has demonstrated that what is presented as a cure only worsens the disease. Austerity leads to recession, itself leading to more austerity, leading to deeper recession. What the Troika imposed has established a vicious circle in which the weakest groups in the society pay the highest price.”