Greek unions and associations representing workers from all sectors of the economy are taking to the streets of Athens, Thessaloniki and dozens of other Greek cities today to mark International Workers' Day, reported the "Kathimerini" newspaper, quoted by BTA.
The May 1st actions will also affect ferry and public transport services, where workers are walking off the job demanding better pay, collective bargaining, more appointments and better working conditions.
In central Athens, the General Confederation of Workers of Greece and the Union of Public Employees, among other unions, are planning marches, with protesters gathering at 10:30 a.m. in front of the parliament in Syntagma Square.
In Thessaloniki, unions are gathering in front of the statue of Eleftherios Venizelos at 10:30 a.m., while several groups will hold a parallel protest rally in front of the Arch of Galerius.
Drivers are strongly advised to avoid the centers of both cities this morning, as traffic will be stopped.
Unions are also planning marches in dozens of other cities, including Patras, Larissa, Kalamata, Ioannina, Heraklion on Crete, Zakynthos and Samos.
Meanwhile, sailors are organizing a 24-hour strike, and ferry traffic, as well as trains and the suburban railway (Proastiakos) in the country, has been stopped.
The Athens metro, buses and trolleybuses will operate with reduced hours - from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while in Thessaloniki The metro will run as usual, but will not stop at Venizelos and Panepistimio stations while the marches are underway due to security concerns. Buses in the northern port city will not operate at all, except for a few lines that serve people with disabilities.