A 24-hour nationwide strike has been called in Greece for Saturday, Feb. 28, 2026, to mark the third anniversary of the Tempi railway disaster, one of the deadliest transport accidents in the country’s history.
The strike was announced by the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY), which is urging all public sector employees to take part in rallies across the country. The main demonstration in Athens is scheduled for 12 p.m. at Syntagma Square, in front of Parliament, with similar gatherings planned nationwide.
Public Sector Workers Lead Mobilization
In a statement, ADEDY said it refuses to “grow accustomed” to the tragedy at Tempi or to other deadly disasters that have struck Greece in recent years, including floods and wildfires that have claimed dozens of lives.
The confederation is urging public sector employees to take part in mass demonstrations alongside labor unions, federations and youth groups, describing the mobilization as both a tribute to the victims and a call for greater accountability and stronger safety measures.
The Tempi railway disaster, which occurred three years ago, killed 57 people and shocked the nation. The main trial related to the crash is set to begin on March 23, just weeks after the anniversary.
Trains to Stop Across the Country
Railway workers have also announced a 24-hour strike on the same day. Hellenic Train, the country’s main rail operator, said no routes will operate across the entire network due to the strike.
The suspension means all passenger train services nationwide will be halted for the full day.
Ships to Remain Docked
Greece’s seafarers are also joining the strike. The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has declared a nationwide walkout from 12:01 a.m. to midnight on Feb. 28. As a result, ships will remain docked at ports across the country for 24 hours.
In its announcement, the federation stressed the vital importance of safety rules and measures in all forms of transport, noting that when such standards are violated, the consequences can be tragic.
Seafarers said their participation honors colleagues and fellow citizens who have lost their lives in transport-related accidents. The federation added that it will continue to push for the protection of human life at sea, emphasizing that safety must be more than a slogan.
Athens Labor Center Joins Strike
The Athens Labor Center (EKA) is also taking part in the nationwide mobilization, calling for both a strike and participation in the central rally.
In its statement, the labor center described the Tempi crash as a “foretold tragedy” that shook the entire country. It also linked the disaster to other deadly incidents in recent years, including floods and fires, and pointed to workplace accidents, citing 201 fatal work-related incidents in 2025 alone.
According to EKA, the anniversary is not only a moment of remembrance but also a call for systemic improvements in safety across transportation, workplaces and communities.
Source:tanea.gr
