Taxi drivers in Athens are launching a series of 24-hour strikes from March 17 to March 20 in protest of provisions included in a new government bill affecting the taxi industry.
The strike was announced by the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA), which said the work stoppages will begin Tuesday as lawmakers start discussing the proposed legislation in a parliamentary committee.
Drivers say the bill introduces measures they oppose, including rules related to the transition to electric vehicles, special professional licenses and criminal record requirements for taxi drivers.
Industry pushes back on new rules
Taxi representatives argue that the proposed changes could create financial and regulatory pressures on drivers.
Among their main demands is a fair extension of deadlines for the transition to electric vehicles, arguing that such vehicles remain too expensive for many professionals in the sector.
The union is also calling for lighter penalties related to special licensing requirements and clearer operational rules for private hire vehicles.
Possible nationwide protests
The Panhellenic Federation of Taxi Drivers (POEIAΤΑ), the national umbrella organization for taxi unions, said it is also considering broader action.
The federation announced that its board would hold an emergency meeting to decide on further protests across the country. It has already signaled the possibility of rolling nationwide mobilizations starting with a 24-hour strike on March 17, the same day the bill is introduced for parliamentary discussion.
Debate over timing of the bill
The legislation is expected to move through parliament soon, although reports about the timing of the final vote vary. Some sources say it could be approved later this week, while others suggest it may reach a vote in the middle of next week.
The strike is expected to disrupt taxi services in the Athens metropolitan area throughout the four-day protest period.
