The Greek society and market cannot take any more economic or electricity blackouts, the head of the Greek commerce confederation ESEE Vassilis Korkidis said.

Korkidis earlier in the day had a phone conversation with the PPC employees union GENOP leadeship.

“We have been assured by GENOP that there would be no electricity cuts longer than 20 minutes in any region of the country and in case something like that happens, we shall contact them. However, while the businesses are fighting for their survival, we ask for the understanding and cooperation of the unions, because we must all show the necessary social solidarity and social responsibility and understanding and respect each other,” Korkidis said.

“The business community addresses a request so that the cost of the strikes does not have catastrophic impact on the market, which is tested in the midst of a critical summer season. Similar protests in 2011 resulted in 4 million euro per day losses for PPC and several million euro losses for small and medium sized businesses. Therefore, we fully respect the right of workers to protest and go on strike, but we call on the strikers to show responsibility and respect the rights of the Greek consumer…” he added.