The Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA) says the strike marks the end of its “silence” and the beginning of a wider campaign to defend the sector’s survival.

SATA contends that recent government decisions threaten the viability of the taxi profession by opening urban transport to private cars with drivers.

The strike begins at midnight on Sunday and ends at 6 p.m. on Monday.

Similar mobilizations are already spreading across provincial cities, as local taxi associations adopt the same demands and align themselves with SATA’s protest campaign.

Taxi unions protest a government decision allowing vans to operate transport services, warning of escalating action if demands are not met. Only hospital transfers will be served during the strike

The strike follows escalating tensions with the government over a joint ministerial decision granting transport operations to vans, a move the taxi sector strongly opposes.

According to the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA), the strike is in protest against the minister’s “continued refusal” to meet with union leaders.

A new proposal by Deputy Minister of Transport Konstantinos Kyranakis to reduce taxi fares on weekends has sparked a strong reaction from the Attica Taxi Drivers' Union (SATA), prompting the announcement of a 48-hour strike.

Scheduled between 9am and 3pm, the strike will culminate with a march towards the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport