Gov’t tries to allay protests ahead of vote on multi-bill

As Greek lawmakers continued to debate a multi-bill of austerity measures that was due to go before a crucial vote in Parliament on the 17 July 2013, unions opposing the reforms ramped up their protests on the 16 July 2013, holding a 24-hour strike that disrupted transport and services, and continued with sit-ins at town halls and municipal offices.

The proposed legislation contained the provision for 15,000 civil servants to be sacked by the end of 2014 and 25,000 to be placed in a mobility scheme, which could lead to thousands losing their jobs, by the end of 2013.

ESO: Background information: Civil servant for life? Not anymore, says Greece http://www.europeansources.info/record/civil-servant-for-life-not-anymore-says-greece/

BBC News, 16.07.13: Greeks go on strike against public sector cuts http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-europe-23324336

Kathimerini, 16.07.13: A muted protest rally ends in central Athens http://www.ekathimerini.com/4dcgi/_w_articles_wsite1_1_16/07/2013_509587

Deutsche Welle, 16.07.13: Greece : Public sector strike disrupts life in Athens http://dw.de/p/198Cf

Eleftherotypia, 16.07.13: Cutting and sewing hopes and lives (via PressEurop) http://www.presseurop.eu/en/content/news-brief/3972991-cutting-and-sewing-hopes-and-lives

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