GREECE

Anti-Union Intimidation: G4S in Greece

The Greek union OMYPAE (Greek Federation of Security Personnel) has reported repeated intimidation against union leaders who try to speak out for workers’ rights at Wackenhut Security Guarding Services, S.A., G4S’s local subsidiary.  These violations date back at least to June 2006.

According to the union, Wackenhut has repeatedly attempted to stop workers from joining the union, or to persuade union members to leave the union and recently seven workers have been transferred and/or demoted after they became involved in the union.

OMYPAE also reports that Wackenhut fails to meet minimum wage requirements, in part through failing to pay workers for overtime as required by law. The company also fails to allow workers to take the summer holiday that most Greek workers receive; some workers have not been allowed to take this vacation for two years.

OMYPAE is pursuing legal action against Wackenhut.  The union contacted G4S management in the UK in August 2006, but the violations have only intensified since then.

UPDATE:

February 3, 2007

109 Greek G4S Workers Illegally Fired for Striking

The General Federation of Greek Employees reports that 109 workers were illegally fired by G4S for exercising their constitutional right to strike.

The union reports that these 109 workers, who worked at the Eleftherios Venizelos Airport in Athens, were fired without compensation in a manner that violated Greek law. The union is pursuing legal action and the possibility of more widespread strikes.