The SYRIZA Government moved on a new provocation against the workers and the popular strata as it organized a festival-conference on “Growth and Development of the Region of West Attica” only days after the destructive floods that killed 24 people.
The real reason for this conference was not to support and help the workers affected by the disasters but to forward the transformation of the area as a transit and industrial center. To discuss how to reinforce the policy that created the problems and the huge disasters from the beginning. The Government’s sole care is multiplying the profits of the big employers by granting them even larger pieces of land, mountains, rivers and forests. Local residents and workers really need projects so that they are not endangered in every rain, and not to be threatened by fires and earthquakes, but such projects are unprofitable for the big corporations and the Government, such projects are not rewarding, they will not make profits. People’s needs are at the opposite of capitalist profitability. Profits for the industrialists and for the government that serves their interests are more important than the lives of local workers.
Against this provocation the Unions held a massive protest at the city of Elefsina, last Sunday, December 17 and even entered the conference area.
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The Unions demanded:
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Immediate protection measures for housing, feeding, clothing of those in need in the areas destroyed by the floods
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Immediate to record the losses in property and small businesses and compensate them 100%
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Immediate measures and care for refugees and immigrants who live in slams and “huts” in the area
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Reinforcing the local Hospital with the necessary permanent staff of all specialties. Full staffing with permanent staff and equipment of the local Centers of Health. Creation of corresponding Health Centers in all towns of the region.
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No worker to lose his job. Pay regular wages in all industries in the region.
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Freezing of debts in taxes, banks, etc without any surcharges and interest for the victims. Immediately stop any auction procedures.
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Exemption from municipal charges for the victims. No water, power and telephone cuts in working and poor families that have debts.
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Abolition of Attica and National Road tolls so that residents and workers in the area can move safely for free.
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Direct planning, generous funding and implementation of extensive flood protection projects under the responsibility of the state.
