Taxi drivers in the Attica region have begun a 48-hour strike, protesting what they describe as the government's refusal to engage in direct dialogue with their union leadership.
The strike, which will run through 6 a.m. Friday, was announced by the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA).
The union criticized Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis for repeatedly declining to meet with its executive board.
In a statement, SATA accused Mr. Kyranakis of favoring talks only with members of the national taxi federation POEIATA, whom they described as “moderate” unionists. SATA said it had exhausted all efforts to initiate meaningful talks and noted it sent an open letter to Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis on May 20, requesting an urgent meeting to address the sector’s long-standing concerns.
The work stoppage is expected to significantly disrupt transportation across Athens and surrounding areas.
In response, public transportation authorities have increased service on bus and metro lines that connect to Athens International Airport “Eleftherios Venizelos.”