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The rallies across Greece include both the private and public sectors and are backed by the Greek unions. Greek MPs are due to vote on the package of salary and pension cuts, and labour market ‘reforms’ which will hit millions of Greek people. Some of the key austerity measures are raising the retirement age from 65 to 67; further pension cuts of 5-15%; salary cuts for police officers and firefighters among others; and a 35% cut to severance pay and reduction of redundancy notice from six to four months.

UNI Global Union General Secretary Philip Jennings said, “The Greek people have every right to be angry. They have already endured four rounds of cuts to pensions and salaries as well as other benefits, including healthcare. The Troika is forcing Greece to the wall. UNI backs the striking workers and calls on the Troika to show humanity to the Greek people who are the victims of the crisis and not the cause of it. Austerity has failed. It’s time to back jobs and growth.”

Greece must back the measures in Parliament tomorrow, and the 2013 budget in a few days time, to receive the next part of the Troika bailout.

UNI Europa Regional Secretary, Oliver Roethig said, "The demonstrations are sweeping across Greece. The majority of the country's 4 million workforce are taking part. In the birthplace of democracy we are seeing true democracy in action. The people are voting with their feet. The MPs in tomorrow's vote should also have the courage to follow their conscience and say enough is enough."

The Democratic Left Party, which is one member of the three-party governing coalition, is refusing to back the package. Some MPs in the socialist Pasok party, the second biggest coalition party, are in open revolt.