The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) has announced a 24-hour nationwide strike, bringing public transportation to a standstill and sending thousands into the streets of central Athens in protest.
The strike is a response to the urgent demands for wage increases, immediate measures against the rising cost of living, a crackdown on profiteering, and the restoration of Collective Labor Agreements.
The capital’s public transport network will be hit hard, with buses operating on a limited schedule and the metro and electric railways ceasing operations for the day. Commuters are bracing for significant disruptions, as the strike coincides with peak travel hours, leaving many without alternative transportation options.
The strike has garnered widespread support, including from public sector workers, the Social Security Institute (IKA), and the National Health Service Workers’ Union (EINAP). In a show of solidarity, the Athens Metro Workers’ Union (SELMA) have also planned to join in, effectively halting all metro services.
The tram service is also expected to join the shutdown. Bus workers have declared work stoppages, with the Athens Urban Transport Organization (OASA) stating that urban buses will only run between 9:00 AM and 9:00 PM.
Regional bus services operated by KTEL are anticipated to run normally, providing some relief to affected commuters.
Additionally, trolleybus services will experience interruptions, with the Union of Workers of the Athens-Piraeus Electric Railways (ILPAP) announcing stoppages at the start and end of shifts. A pre-gathering for the strike is set to take place at Klafthmonos Square at 11:00 AM, where workers will unite before joining the larger demonstrations.
The strike action highlights the growing discontent among workers in Greece as they face economic pressures and seek governmental intervention to alleviate their burdens.