This paper explores the response by the Greek Association of Social Workers (SKLE) to Greece’s
current economic crisis. Socioeconomic conditions in Greece have deteriorated rapidly since the
imposition of a Structural Adjustment Programme as a condition of the loan Troika provided to
Greece to address its class-based public debt crisis. Interviews were conducted with SKLE Executive
Committee members to examine SKLE’s response in the context of newly raised inequalities.
Research results show that SKLE recognised the negative consequences to both service users and its
members. However, SKLE continues to reformulate its strategy mostly as a social partner. SKLE’s
previous strategy entailed amongst other things the analysis of policy proposals and participation in
welfare related government committees. This strategy is no longer relevant because decisionmaking
powers have been transferred to transnational bodies. This paper elaborates on these
findings and discusses the barriers that prohibit SKLE from differentiation of its strategy. Although
the research is country specific, it has implications for the broader global debate because
professional associations must reformulate their strategies for better serving of both their
constituents and the collective good based on the social justice mandate of the profession.