Update! Letter of thanks from the
Greek Toll Gate workers (February 26, 2002)
174 workers in the sector of toll posts are striking against the sackings that the Greek government has announced.
These workers have been working from 5 to 10 years each at the tolls but with temporary contracts which were periodically renewed. This time however they didn't renew the contacts and the workers are now threatened with immediate sacking. If this goes ahead, thousands of workers will find themselves hostages of the government. On 4 February the state law consultant decided that these workers couldn't be employed by the state on a permanent contract because it is against a recent law and against the constitution.
After this answer the workers are all determined to continue the struggle with still greater intensity and determination.
The workers have started a successfully support campaign. The campaign firstly managed to raise the matter in the Greek working class and secondly to get resolutions of support from trade unions (including the Greek TUC, the Athens Trade Council and the Pasok Youth). The workers have occupied the building of the company and organised a committee of struggle.
The dispute is now in a critical stage, with four of the workers on hunger strike. Messages of solidarity from workers in other countries will greatly boost their morale.
We request from workers and trade unionists from other countries to help us in the campaign by sending support messages to:
a) The Office of the Prime Minister (e-mail: mail@priminister.gr)
b) Ministry of Public Works (e-mail: service@dorg.minenr.gr)
c) The campaign e-mail (ekf@otenet.gr).
From SOSIALISTIKI EKFRASI
February 5, 2002
Letter of thanks from the Greek Toll Gate workers
Dear colleagues,
We would like to express to you our appreciation and thanks for your big support during our struggle.
We would like to inform you that thanks to the encouragement you gave us and together with our firm stance and will to struggle, our fight is going in the right direction and we are now just one step away from the final victory.
The Members of the union council of the Toll Gate Workers' Union.
Athens,
February 26, 2002
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