Nationwide Strike Paralyzes Athens: Public Transport and Hospitals Halted
Strike and Protests Paralyze Athens
Central Athens will experience near-total paralysis today due to a 24-hour national strike announced by public sector unions and the Electricity, Water, and Agriculture Workers’ Union. The strike protests the new labor law. Participants include employees of public hospitals, teachers, judicial staff, public transport workers, and taxi drivers.
Partial Operation of Public Transport
Authorities announced that buses and trolleybuses will operate from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM, while the metro, suburban trains, and tram lines will run from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM to help protesters reach demonstration sites. Some bus lines may be canceled due to staff participation in the strike, while suburban routes will operate normally.
Taxis and Rail Services Out of Service
The Hellenic Railways Union and the taxi drivers’ union are joining the strike, resulting in suspended train services and taxi operations across Athens. The unions confirmed that the sector joins workers’ voices in rejecting long working hours, demanding rights and better working conditions.
Ships and Air Travel
Ferry lines will stop operating in all ports. However, air travel will continue as usual following a court ruling that deemed the air traffic controllers’ strike illegal, ensuring flights remain unaffected.
Workers’ Demands
The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) calls for the withdrawal of the 13-hour workweek law, the restoration of free collective bargaining, salary increases, and the reinstatement of the 13th and 14th salaries. The unions emphasize that a 35-hour, five-day workweek is a key demand for all employees to achieve social justice and improve working conditions