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.*
*__*
*_Photos_*
_https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCKDrg _
*_Video_*
—
PAME
