Nationwide 24-hour Strike Halts Public Transport in Greece

Major labor unions in the public and private sector and professional groups are taking part in a 24-hour nationwide strike today, Wednesday, in Greece, which is expected to cause disruptions mostly in public transports, including ferry boat routes.

The Public Servants’ Union (ADEDY), the Bank Employees’ Union (OTOE) and dozens of other union-related entities across the country have called for the 24-hour strike. A taxi union has called a 48-hour strike.

Despite the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) – the country’s largest labor union umbrella group – declining to declare a strike, 37 Labor Centers, 22 federations, and more than 300 primary unions have decided to strike.

With the central slogan: “Our lives above their profits – wage increases, to live with dignity” the protestors are voicing their concerns about the high cost of living, as well as political accountability, as the industrial action coincides with the first anniversary of the Tempi train collision which cost the lives of 57 people.

The mobilization declared by the air traffic controllers and the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority’s employees was deemed illegal after the administration’s appeal to an Athens first instance court.

The sectors on strike are:

• Workers in buses and trolleys have announced work stoppages from the start of their shift until 9 am and from 9 pm until the end of their shift.
• The railway, including the Athens and Thessaloniki Suburban Railway, according to employee unions’ decisions.
• Service disruptions are expected in the Metro, Tram, and Suburban Railway, as 7 unions have announced a 24-hour strike.
• Taxi drivers, who yesterday held a rally ending at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, are on strike for the second day today.
• Port employees are also striking. There will be no ferry services from Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio.
• The railway, including the Athens and Thessaloniki Suburban Railway, according to employee unions’ decisions.
• Taxi drivers, who yesterday held a rally ending at the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, are on strike for the second day today.

Travelers are advised to check with their travel agents before heading to their designated departure destinations.

Police have put traffic regulations in place during a protest in central Athens, while traffic will be diverted as side streets and roads surrounding the center of Athens have been closed.