Greek police unions protest staffing shortages and labor conditions

Greek police unions are raising alarms regarding severe staffing shortages and deteriorating working conditions. In Kilkis, the local Police Officers' Union reported a deficit of approximately 200 personnel, citing 80 vacant positions due to unreplaced retirements and over 120 officers being seconded to other regions, often against their will.

The union in Kilkis criticized the Ministry of Citizen Protection, alleging that continuous transfers and 12-to-14-hour shifts are violating labor laws and compromising public safety. They noted that even specialized units are being forced to move frequently across various regions despite limited numbers and aging staff.

In a show of solidarity, the Police Officers' Union of Rethymno has expressed support for a planned protest in Athens on October 15, 2026. The Rethymno union called for unity among various police labor organizations, urging members to prioritize collective demands and substantive solutions over partisan or personal rivalries to address the systemic issues facing the profession.