Greek government orders striking workers back to work

The Greek government issued a civil mobilization order on Saturday to force back to work public electricity corporation DEI-PPC workers who have been on strike since Thursday over plans to privatize the firm.

The strike has reportedly caused brief power cuts across Greece.

Government spokeswoman Sofia Voultepsi made the announcement shortly after the striking workers' main trade union GENOP-DEI said that they would not respect a court ruling on Friday night that their strike was illegal.

"In democracy, laws and court rulings should be respected by all. Public interest is above all," Voultepsi stressed.

Striking workers have refused to return to work, saying they would continue with the strike although defying the mobilization order may face imprisonment under Greek legislation.

It is not the first time in recent years that the government resorted to the issuance of civil mobilization orders when facing industrial actions which disrupt civil services in Greece.

DEI-PPC workers are protesting a bill currently under discussion at the parliament which opens the way to sell off part of the corporation in 2015 as part of a wider austerity and reform program introduced four years ago to revive Greece's economy.

The government has argued that DEI-PPC's privatization is to the benefit of Greek citizens.
Sources:Xinhua - globaltimes.cn
6/7/14