TUC solidarity with Greek unions' general strike

TUC General Secretary Frances O'Grady has sent a letter of solidarity to Greek unions who have called a general strike for today, 12 November.

Solidarity with Greek trade unions

On behalf of the British trade union movement, I send you our solidarity and support on the occasion of your one day General Strike on 12 November.

After six years of failed austerity policies imposed on Greece by the Troika and the merciless onslaught against labour and social security rights, Greek workers, pensioners and the unemployed have been forced to pay a heavy price for the harsh measures of this latest, third fiscal adjustment programme for Greece.  Like you, we reject the new cutbacks in wages and pensions, tax hikes and welfare cuts. We support your protest against the cuts in social security and home repossessions.

The attacks on Greek workers, pensioners and the unemployed are the most severe in Europe, but are replicated across the entire EU, part of a vicious attempt to blame the victims for the economic crisis caused by greed and inequality, and only exacerbated by austerity programmes which will cause the Greek people even more suffering.

Good quality public services require strong economies. The solution to this crisis is the EU acting in the wider interests of its citizens, in a socially responsible way, promoting sustainable investment as called for in the ETUC’s New Path 4 Europe.

Yours sincerely

Frances O’Grady

General Secretary