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Greek healthcare worker labor and safety disputes

Updated 2 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

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2026-09-04 07:42 UTC → 2026-09-06 14:56 UTC · added removed

The Federation of Public Health Employees (POEDHN) has raised alarms regarding the deteriorating conditions facing healthcare workers in Greece. Initially, the federation focused on the rise of violence against staff at various medical facilities, including the Red Cross, Agia Sophia, Pammakaristos, EKAB, Volos, and Argolida. POEDHN demanded the strict application of Law 5090/2024 to criminalize the disruption of nursing institutions and called for dedicated security personnel, noting that current private security often lacks the authority to intervene during physical confrontations. personnel. Following these concerns over safety, concerns, the focus expanded to systemic issues within the National Health System (ESY). POEDHN organized a nationwide protest in Thessaloniki for In early September 4, 2026, to address severe understaffing, underfunding, and low wages. The federation reported that extreme physical and mental exhaustion, caused by excessive working hours and unpaid shifts, has led healthcare workers launched protests in Thessaloniki, including a gathering at AHEPA Hospital. Demonstrators expressed opposition to mass resignations the degradation of the public health system and professionals seeking employment abroad. During the demonstrations in Thessaloniki, potential for increased privatization. Participants included workers from Crete and Agios Nikolaos Hospital, joining a nationwide mobilization. POEDHN President Michalis Giannakos highlighted a significant decline in hospital personnel, noting that the workforce dropped from approximately 94,034 in October 2021 to 87,400 by August 2026. He criticized current health spending, which stands at 5.5% of the budget compared to 7.5% in other European nations. Specific Key demands from the mobilized workers include a horizontal salary increase of 500 euros for all healthcare professionals, euros, a 20% salary increase, the implementation reinstatement of 13th and 14th month salaries, and the permanent employment of contract workers. Additionally, workers called for massive recruitment of permanent staff and better protection of labor rights in unhealthy environments. Giannakos also noted that the failure of primary healthcare has placed undue pressure on major hospitals, with over 80% of emergency care patients not requiring hospitalization.

Versions

  1. 2026-09-06 14:56 UTC Greek healthcare worker labor and safety disputes
  2. 2026-09-04 07:42 UTC Greek healthcare worker labor and safety disputes
  3. 2026-08-20 18:32 UTC Greek healthcare worker labor and safety disputes

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