Αλληλεγγύης (Solidarity)

Colleagues,

I am just heading off to Crete for a break with my family.

And, I am very pleased to report that, in addition to the strong protest movements on the Greek mainland in full swing, there is plenty of militant trade union action evident in Crete also.

It also transpires that not all of the unrest is linked to the Greek government's response to the debt-crisis.

A quick round-up indicates the following:

The Hellenic Seamen’s Union (PNO) is kicking up a fuss because of planned changes to T&Cs and is currently doing a sterling job blockading a number of ports. I hope to get myself to the port closest to where I am staying and, with my dire Greek, send a message of solidarity.

The taxi drivers' union in collaboration with the Coalition of the Radical Left (SYRIZA) must be causing mayhem with their blockade of Iraklio Airport. I derive great pleasure from the angst of fuming Brits when they encounter striking sisters and brothers on the continent. These gits think they have avoided Bob Crow and his heirs and saunter off to Crete to avoid him only to find his kindred spirits in equally feisty mode!

Even the dentists are threatening to down their tweezers, or whatever it is they tap your teeth with. Apparently the government want to allow those without a degree in dentistry to set up in practice - and they wonder why the tooth doctors are getting all uptight -much gnashing of teeth!

There is a full round-up of all disputes in Greece and across the islands at: http://www.labourstart.org/cgi-bin/show_news.pl?country=Greece

All being I will make it back without being arrested or joining some form of insurrection!

In Solidarity

Ian