Greece: Protesting hospital workers clash with police

Protesting Greek health care workers have clashed with police outside parliament during a demonstration in Athens against proposed hospital reforms

Protesters scuffle with riot police during a rally outside the Greek parliament in Athens, Greece, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Police have clashed with protesting health care workers outside parliament, who gathered to demonstrate against proposed hospital reforms in a dispute that has been intensified by the pandemic. (John Liakos/In Time News via AP)

ATHENS, Greece (AP) — Protesting Greek health care workers clashed with polic

ByThe Associated Press

ATHENS, Greece -- Protesting Greek health care workers clashed with police outside parliament during a demonstration in Athens Wednesday against proposed hospital reforms.

Riot police fired tear gas at protesters who challenged a cordon. No arrests were reported, while several protesters sought medical attention for breathing difficulties.

Lawmakers are debating proposed health care reforms that include new guidelines to recognize the tenure of doctors and nurses who have worked abroad.

Unions say the measure is also designed to undermine labor rights for Greek hospital staff, an allegation the center-right government denies. They are also demanding that more short-term contract workers be given regular jobs.

Health care unions have staged frequent protests during the pandemic, arguing that not enough support has been given to exhausted hospital staff members dealing with the COVID-19 crisis.

“Many of our members are being held hostage with short-term contracts,” hospital doctors’ union leader Michalis Yiannakos said. “There is a large number of surgeries and medical cases that have been delayed because of the pandemic, so it’s imperative that the health system is strengthened. But the opposite is happening.”

A protester lies on the pavement after scuffles with riot police during a rally outside the Greek parliament in Athens, Greece, Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Police have clashed with protesting health care workers outside parliament, who gathered to demonstrate against proposed hospital reforms in a dispute that has been intensified by the pandemic. (John Liakos/In Time News via AP)