The faction of PAME unionists (DAS) once again emerges strengthened, as the leading force
With the completion of the 33rd Congress of the Regional Union of Athens, an important step forward was made with the significant victory of DAS, the faction of PAME unionists, which once again emerged as the leading force, further strengthened with 34% and 459 delegate votes, up from 371 votes and 31.23% in 2023. DAS also secured 11 seats in the new Union Board, up from 9 in 2023.
In the largest Congress body of the past 15 years, increased by 199 valid votes, DAS received 88 more votes than in 2023.
The gap between DAS and all other factions widened significantly, with all others remaining below 16%. The second force, PASKE (social democrats), received 218 votes and 15.79%.
The difference is therefore more than double, amounting to 241 votes and 18 percentage points. DAS also more than doubles the number of seats compared to any other force.
Additionally, DAS will send 10 delegates to the General Confederation of Workers of Greece (GSEE) Congress, up from 6 previously.
This result marks an important step forward for workers and unions in Athens, strengthening those who struggle daily for dignity and a decent life.
A stronger DAS opens the way for stronger unions at workplaces, vibrant collective processes and sustained struggle against government and business groups, with a clear orientation against the policies of exploitation, poverty and war.
It also constitutes a clear response to the line of social partnership, the line of submission and integration, and to the decay of government-aligned and employer-backed trade unionism represented by the factions of New Democracy, PASOK and SYRIZA, which have supported all anti-labour laws, culminating in the disgraceful “social agreement” undermining collective bargaining agreements.
Now is the time for workers’ real demands to come to the forefront, including wage increases, reduction of working hours, the signing of Collective Agreements and the protection of health and safety.
This is what the election result at the Athens Regional Union, the largest Regional Union in Greece, signifies.
It reflects the positive developments within Athens unions, with the largest Congress body in 15 years reaching 1,500 delegates, dozens of new trade unionists actively participating and over 40 newly established unions joining the Athens Regional Union.
This hard-fought battle culminated in the weekend elections, the first major electoral process following the passing of the anti-labour bill on collective agreements.
The result shatters government claims that the bill enjoys “social acceptance,” proving that only the employer-aligned union leadership of ND, PASOK and SYRIZA, together with industrialists seeking to impose restrictions on agreements, support it.
Workers have every reason to feel proud. The strengthened position of PAME is the best guarantee that unions will become more alive and militant across workplaces such as factories, hotels, supermarkets, construction, transport and offices.
Throughout the Congress, hundreds of delegates ensured its success, blocking attempts by the ND–PASOK–SYRIZA majority to impose electronic procedures.
The result was received with enthusiasm, applause and slogans.
With the slogan, “Without you, no gear turns, worker, you can live without bosses,” PAME trade unionists pledged to return immediately to workplaces to further organise workers’ struggle.
PAME trade unionists will be in the front line for a Regional Union capable of turning the page and organizing the fight against policies that deprive workers of oxygen, bringing poverty, exploitation and war.
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