On Saturday, November 17, 2017 in Elefsina, at the region affected by the floods, trade unions of Attica me to discuss on how to protect the workers and the people of the region from the severe consequences of the floods of the previous days, as well as the demands for immediate relief and rehabilitation measures for the victims and those affected.
The unions thanked international trade unions that expressed their solidarity and support for the workers of the region. The unions, of this working class area, with this initiative, express their active support in the families of our coworkers, but also to those who have been destroyed by the deadly floods.
The meeting condemned the non-existence of flood protection projects, the criminal responsibilities of the current government of SYRIZA – ANEL and the former ND – PASOK, together with the Regional and Municipal Authorities, who always faced flood protection measures as a cost, and do not realized them because they are not profitable, they are not tolls to make profits. Thousands of our trade union members live and work in wretched conditions in the afflected areas of Western Attica. Many homes and cars were destroyed, others were in danger, while coworkers lost their lives at the time of work. Families are searching for their people who, days since Nov. 15, are still ignored.
We warn the employers not to dare to use this tragedy to intensify the attack on workers!
Payment of wages without interruptions to businesses that stopped production. Special measures for the protection of workers in contractors, seasonal and contract workers who are more exposed to such developments. We are sending a message to the employers not to dare to lay off workers under the pretext of the floods.
The Unions that participated in the meeting set forth the following demands for immediate protection and relief the workers of the region:
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Immediate protection measures for housing, feeding, clothing for those in need.
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Directly record losses, property and small businesses and compensate them at 100%.
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Measures for the protection of refugees and immigrants living in “huts” in the wider area of Megara, Mandra and Magoula.
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Strengthening the Hospital of the Region with the necessary permanent staff of all specialties. Full staffing with permanent staff and equipment of the Elefsina and Megara Health Centers. Creation of Health Centers in Mandra, Aspropyrgos, Nea Peramos and Magoula.
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No worker to lose his job. Any worker who has been or is unable to safely arrive at his workplace is not considered as being unjustifiably absent from his job and that normal wages and stamps are paid.
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Freezing of debts to tax authorities, banks without surcharges and interest for the affected. Immediately stop any procedures to confiscate and seize workers’ property.
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Exempt from municipal fees for the victims. No water, power and telephone interruptions in workers’ families that have debts.
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Free and safe transfer of students to schools. Especially in New Peramos, where students are forced to walk this “ruffle” road.
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Abolition of Attica and National Road tolls in order for the people to be able to move locally.
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Direct planning, generous financing and implementation of extensive flood protection projects under the responsibility of the state.
Under these demands, the Unions
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Organize campaign of Solidarity to gather and deliver goods and necessary items to the victims of the floods
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Will hold Protest at the Regional Authority of Attica demanding the implementation of these demands
