Greece will see widespread transport disruptions on Friday, as ships, trains and most public transport services shut down during a 24-hour nationwide strike marking International Workers’ Day. Trade unions are pressing for higher wages, stronger labor rights and improved safety standards.

The strike, led by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, will run from 00:01 until midnight and is expected to significantly impact both passenger and freight movement across the country.

Nationwide disruption across sea and land

All categories of vessels—from coastal ferries to short-distance shipping—will remain docked, effectively halting maritime transport.

Rail services will also be suspended, with no trains operating across the national network, including suburban rail lines.

In urban transport, fixed-track services such as the Metro, ISAP electric railway and Tram will be out of service for the entire day. Buses and trolleybuses will operate only between 9:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. due to work stoppages at the start and end of shifts. Suburban bus routes run by the Attica Transport Consortium are expected to operate normally.

Unions push for wages, rights and safety

At the center of the PNO’s demands are the strengthening of collective bargaining, the signing and renewal of labor agreements, and the protection and expansion of trade union rights.

The federation is also calling for improved safety conditions at sea and the protection of workers’ dignity, particularly as technological changes reshape the shipping industry.

It has placed additional emphasis on preserving the public and free character of maritime education, proposing reforms to align it with modern industry needs. The union is also seeking upgraded health and education services, along with the restoration of financial losses suffered by retired seafarers.

Broader participation across sectors

The strike is expected to have a wider impact as other maritime and port unions join the mobilization.

The Panhellenic Union of Tugboat and Salvage Crews has unanimously decided to participate, highlighting concerns over safety, professional rights and delays in regulatory frameworks for tugboat crews.

Port workers, represented by the Federation of Greek Port Employees, are also taking part, demanding wage increases through collective agreements, measures to address rising living costs and housing pressures, and improved workplace health and safety.

Dockworkers have expanded their demands to include a fair tax system, equal access to public healthcare and welfare services, environmental protection, and policies addressing the climate crisis.

Transport workers’ demands

Employees in public transport and rail services are calling for safe, reliable and publicly operated transport systems. Their demands include substantial wage increases, action against inflation and profiteering, the reopening of the railway network, and the repair of infrastructure damaged by natural disasters.

They are also urging the government to proceed with permanent staff recruitment to cover long-term operational needs and improve passenger safety and service quality.

May Day message

In a message marking the anniversary, PNO Secretary General Manolis Tsikalakis referenced the historic labor movement of Chicago in 1886 and the fight for the eight-hour workday, stressing that “workers united can achieve significant rights.” He also called for reflection and reorganization within the trade union movement.