Greek labor history: Significant strikes in Serifos and Piraeus

Historical accounts highlight two significant labor movements in Greece marked by violent suppression and subsequent social impact.

In August 1916, miners on the island of Serifos went on strike against the Serifos-Spiliadzeza company due to inhumane working conditions, including 12 to 14-hour shifts and lack of safety measures. On August 21, 1916, gendarmerie forces opened fire on peaceful demonstrators at Megalo Livadi, killing four workers: Michalis Zoilis, Giannis Protopapas, Dimitris Sarafis, and Michalis Mitrofanis. The strike eventually forced the government to recognize the eight-hour workday.

On August 22, 1923, a major pan-Greek strike organized by the General Confederation of Greek Workers and the Piraeus Labor Center faced violent repression in Piraeus. Workers were protesting low wages and poor working conditions. During a gathering at Pasalimani, military and police forces intervened, resulting in fourteen deaths and dozens of injuries. While the immediate crackdown was a setback for the movement, the event remains a symbol of the Greek labor struggle.