Communist Party of Greece demand safety measures in workplace

Held under the slogan, "No more Tempi – 'Violants' – Aspropyrgos! Their profits or our lives!", the demonstration brought together workers, residents, trade unionists and local youth to demand stronger workplace safety measures and greater protection against industrial accidents.

According to 902.gr, the rally was attended by KKE General Secretary Dimitris Koutsoumbas and other party officials, as well as members of the family of the worker who was killed in the July 9 accident.

Speaking at the event, KKE MP Christos Tsokanis described the incident as another "employer-state crime" caused by policies that prioritize corporate profits over workers' lives. He argued that residents of Western Attica face multiple problems, including environmental pollution, inadequate healthcare and education infrastructure, dangerous working conditions and insufficient public investment, while projects serving large business interests continue to receive priority. He held successive New Democracy (ND), PASOK and SYRIZA governments responsible for policies that, according to the KKE, have weakened labour protections and safety inspections while benefiting large corporations through subsidies and tax concessions.

Tsokanis also criticized plans to develop Western Attica into an energy, transport and military hub, arguing that they increase environmental risks and could make the region a target in future conflicts. He called on workers and residents to continue organized struggle, strengthen the KKE and press for improved workplace safety, stronger public services and policies that prioritize people's needs over corporate profits.

Environmental specialist and KKE Central Committee member Evi Georgiadou argued that fatal workplace accidents and occupational diseases remain widespread due to inadequate state oversight and land-use policies that favour business interests. She maintained that governments implementing European Union policies have failed to establish effective systems for monitoring industrial pollution and occupational hazards. Georgiadou argued that only a socialist system based on planned production and public ownership could guarantee effective prevention, environmental protection and workplace safety.

Vasso Angeli, a board member of the Panhellenic Union of Employees in Hellenic Petroleum (HELPE), recalled the deadly 2015 refinery accident that killed four workers and argued that employers continue to sacrifice safety for profitability. She criticized long working hours, mandatory overtime and exhausting maintenance schedules at HELPE facilities, claiming that these conditions contribute to workplace accidents and health problems. Angeli highlighted the role of trade unions in resisting management attempts to extend working hours and emphasized that organized labour action, including the February 6 general strike, had demonstrated workers' ability to challenge employer policies.

The rally concluded with calls for stronger health and safety protections, stricter state oversight of hazardous industries, removal of dangerous industrial facilities from populated areas, accountability for employers, and continued mobilization against policies that the KKE argues place corporate profits above workers' lives.

(Photo: 902.gr)