Greek Workers Protest Shady Bank Privatization

Athens, Aug 1.- Union leaders called today to a 24-hour strike to protest the privatization of Agricultural Bank of Greece (ATE) for just $ 95 million euros ($ 114 million USD).

As Greek citizens we believe this is a great scandal. They want to sell a public bank that is in perfect condition to the private sector, said labor unionist Kostas Amoutzias.

Employees are concerned about the future of their jobs and their social rights, Amoutzias said while criticizing the lack of transparency in the operation.

Amoutzias expressed disbelief in the promise that the positions and the same wages are guaranteed .

The Agricultural Bank of Greece includes about 3,000 employees on its payroll, and their privatization is part of the tax cuts imposed to Athens by the European Commission (EC), the European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A Piraeus Bank statement released to the press confirmed the acquisition of "healthy part" of the ATE, which will continue working under the Agricultural Bank brand. (Prensa Latina)

As Greek citizens we believe this is a great scandal. They want to sell a public bank that is in perfect condition to the private sector, said labor unionist Kostas Amoutzias.

Employees are concerned about the future of their jobs and their social rights, Amoutzias said while criticizing the lack of transparency in the operation.

Amoutzias expressed disbelief in the promise that the positions and the same wages are guaranteed .

The Agricultural Bank of Greece includes about 3,000 employees on its payroll, and their privatization is part of the tax cuts imposed to Athens by the European Commission (EC), the European Central Bank (ECB) and International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A Piraeus Bank statement released to the press confirmed the acquisition of "healthy part" of the ATE, which will continue working under the Agricultural Bank brand. (Radio Cadena Agramonte)