Greece breaks up Athens metro strike

[Redfairen]

Source: The Guardian

The Greek government has ignited a storm of protest following a controversial decision to forcibly return striking metro workers to work.

With unions condemning the move as resonant of "authoritarian rule" and other transport workers walking out in solidarity, Athens's fragile three-party coalition is facing one of its biggest tests since assuming power last June.

The prime minister, Antonis Samaras, said he had resorted to the emergency step on Thursday because commuters could no longer be held hostage to unions who had created unprecedented traffic chaos in the capital since announcing the action eight days ago.

"The Greek people have made enormous sacrifices and I will not allow exceptions," said the conservative leader, referring to hostility over austerity measures that the EU and IMF have demanded to prop up the moribund Greek economy. "Transport does not belong to the unions – it belongs to the people and they have the right to use it."

Read more: http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jan/25/greece-athens-metro-strike

[tama]

1. Mr. Prime Minister

Greek people don't belong to you and your government, they don't belong to Troika. You don't own them. You can't tell them what to do. You can't speak for them.

Mr. Prime Minister, when did you start to believe that you are a slave master? Seek help, Mr. Prime Minister, to become free of your ignorant delusion.

"The mobilisation order is tantamount to dictatorship. Let them [the government] come and collect dead bodies. Let them send in the army," said Antonis Stamatopoulos, head of the union of transport workers. "With its decision the government has proved its inability to reach a solution. Everyone has to assume their responsibility. We won't leave. Others are going to lose their posts."

[another_liberal]

2. Can the Prime Minister . . .

Can the Prime Minister drive a commuter train? If so, then let him go do so for the reduced wages, slashed benefits and degraded working conditions he's demanding be the lot of Unionized Transport Workers.

Down with billions for mega bankers and austerity for the workers!

Down with government by technocrats and wealthy elites!

Free Greece from the stranglehold of debt slavery!