Outdoor fruit and vegetable markets across Greece are set to reopen Friday after vendors suspended an indefinite strike following a breakthrough in talks with the Finance Ministry regarding disputed tax calculations and digital documentation.
Union representatives announced the suspension late Wednesday, pausing industrial action that had threatened to disrupt fresh food supplies.
The vendors are demanding a revision of the tax code to reflect a realistic annual work schedule of 150 to 180 days, arguing that the current assessment based on 350 days ignores weather conditions and seasonal fluctuations.
The dispute also centers on opposition to new requirements for digital shipping documents. While the Development Ministry had previously agreed to adjust the operational framework for the markets—which rotate locations daily—the fiscal demands remained a sticking point until this week’s negotiations.
Despite the truce, tensions remain high.
The Athens-area federation of outdoor markets warned that the strike is merely suspended, not cancelled.
“If the commitments made Wednesday are not honored, we will not hesitate to resume action,” the federation said in a statement.
The popular street markets, known locally as laiki agora, are a staple of Greek daily life. Friday’s reopening offers immediate relief to consumers, though unions made clear that long-term peace depends on the government delivering the promised legislative adjustments.