Public transportation across Greece will be disrupted as part of the nationwide strike Thursday, May 1st, which marks International Labor Day.

Under the slogan “May Day is not a holiday, it is a strike,” labor unions are calling for mass participation in rallies and walkouts demanding wage increases, collective bargaining rights, and protection from anti-labor legislation.

Ferries Will Remain Docked at Port

Seafarers, represented by the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), have announced a 24-hour shutdown of ferry routes to and from the Greek islands, starting at 00:01 on May 1. The federation says the strike honors both current labor struggles and the legacy of the 1886 labor movement in Chicago.

Public Transportation Schedules

Buses and Trolleybuses will operate only between 09:00 am and 09:00 pm due to work stoppages at the beginning and end of the day. Services will start gradually after 09:00 am and begin withdrawing shortly before 09:00 am. Cancellations may occur throughout the day due to partial participation in the 24-hour strike declared by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE).

Metro Lines 2 and 3 will run only from 09:00 am to 03:00 pm. During this window, airport connections will operate as usual. However, Syntagma and Panepistimio stations will remain closed by police order, and trains will pass through without stopping.

Last trains before full shutdown will depart as follows:

  • Line 2:
    • Anthoupoli to Elliniko: 02:42 pm
    • Elliniko to Anthoupoli: 02:37 pm
  • Line 3 (City section):
    • Dimotiko Theatro to Doukissis Plakentias: 02:44 pm
    • Doukissis Plakentias to Dimotiko Theatro: 02:36 pm
  • Line 3 (Airport section):
    • Airport to Dimotiko Theatro: First train at 09:10 am, last at 02:58 pm
    • Dimotiko Theatro to Airport: First train at 09:06 am, last at 02:54 pm

Metro Line 1 (Green Line) and the Tram will be completely suspended for the entire day.

Train and Suburban Railway (Proastiakos) services will also be completely halted nationwide, affecting all routes and connections, including those to the airport.

Transport unions have asked for the public’s understanding for the disruption, stating that the action is part of their broader struggle for better working conditions and a safer, more reliable transit system.

Rallies Across Greece

Pensioners will also join the mobilizations. The Federation of IKA Pensioners criticized recent government measures as inadequate and is urging its members to take part in the rallies.

Gatherings in Athens will begin with pre-rallies starting at 9:30 a.m. in various city squares before merging into the main demonstrations. Similar plans are set for Thessaloniki, where labor groups will assemble at multiple downtown locations.

The labor movement is also calling attention to broader social issues, including privatization of health and education, housing insecurity, and workplace safety concerns. Many of the calls mention the Tempi train disaster and call for accountability.

Key May Day Rally Locations

  • Athens: Syntagma Square, 10:30 a.m.
  • Thessaloniki: Venizelos Statue, 10:30 a.m.
  • Piraeus: Municipal Theater Square, 10:00 a.m.
  • Patras: Georgiou Square, 10:30 a.m.
  • Heraklion: Eleftherias Square, 10:00 a.m.
  • Ioannina: Labor Center, 10:30 a.m.