We would like to inform you that the Greek Government these days voted an unacceptable law which demolishes the Social Security system. A law that has been condemned by the Greek metalworkers and the trade union movement in general through the biggest strike demonstrations of the last decades.

This law has been voted down from all the parties of the opposition.

However the Government has insisted and proceeded to its voting.

This law increases the age limits of the workers (both men and women) up to 5 years, reduces the pensions, punishes the disabled workers reducing their pensions and the working mothers increasing the limits to their retirement.

The Greek trade union movement has collected thousands of signatures in common with all the parties of opposition. The aim of this collection was to conduct a referendum, as it is required by the Greek Constitution. However this proposition has also been refused by the Government.

The Greek metalworkers are hit intensively by this counter-working,- antipopular law . We will continue our struggle.

In addition we are going to appeal to national and European Courts in order that this anti-labor law be abolished.

With best fraternal regards

YIANNIS STEFANOPOULOS

PRESIDENT OF POEM