Strike in Greece on March 16 to Affect Ferry, Air Travel
Air and ferry travel in Greece will be disrupted on Thursday, March 16, due to a 24-hour nationwide strike called by Greece’s largest civil service umbrella union ADEDY and the country’s main private sector union GSEE.
This is the second nationwide strike called over the deadly train crash at Tempi.
The Greek Air Traffic Controllers’ Association (EEEKE), the Panhellenic Airports Association and the Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) will participate in the general strike, leading to the cancellation of domestic and international flights at Greek airports and disruption to ferry services.
Unions are calling for better safety on all modes of transportation and are accusing the government for inaction.
Air travel: AEGEAN, Olympic Air cancel all flights
“The absence of a state control mechanism at airports is contrary to the safety of citizens, air transport and the public interest in general,” the Panhellenic Airports Association said in an announcement.
According to the association, former Transport Minister Kostas Karamanlis abolished all aviation authorities at Greek airports (i.e. state authorities that would control the implementation of airport security rules in accordance to national and European aviation legislation).
As a result of the 24-hour strike, AEGEAN and Olympic Air announced that all domestic and international flights would be cancelled on Thursday. Passengers are advised to visit the official websites of both airlines for further information or contact AEGEAN (from Greece: 801 11 20000 / from abroad or mobile: + 30 210 6261000) and Olympic Air (from Greece: 801 801 0101 / from abroad or mobile: + 30 210 3550500).
Ferry employees will be on 24-hour strike
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) announced its participation in the 24-hour strike and highlighted its “firm stance for the safety of maritime transport and the protection of human life at sea”.
PNO is calling for new legislation that “meets today’s actual needs of passenger ships and seafaring in order to fully ensure humane working conditions and above all the safety of ships, passengers and crew”.
Those who have booked tickets for travel on March 16 are advised to check with their travel agents or contact local port authorities for further information.
Public transportation: Metro, buses announce work stoppages
With regard to public transportation, workers of OASA buses and ILPAP trolley-buses will hold work stoppages and operate only between 9am – 9pm.
The electric railway ISAP (line 1), Athens’ metro lines 2 and 3 and the tram will operate only between 10am – 3pm.
The Federation of Railway Employees are extending their strike mobilization, which affects all domestic (OSE) and suburban (proastiakos) train routes.
School teachers and lawyers will also be participating in Thursday’s 24-hour strike.
Funny that, it is Thursday, March 16th now and I am on a Greek ferry, departed at 00:30 in Ancona, Italy, and expected to arrive in Igoumenitsa Greece, at 17:30.
Strike?
We are stuck in Edinburgh due to our cancelled Aegean flight to Athens tomorrow. However great the inconvenience and expense we incur it is nothing to the pain and loss of the Tembi victims. We fully support the strike action but deeply regret it is necessary.
I understand what happened with the train victims, but it is frustrating that people like me will miss my travel and have to re-schedule for the following week. It is disappointing to hear that we have to protest for something the government should be doing. We vote these people into their positions; they should do they job so accidents like this would never have to happen again with loss of Lifes and people like me do not lose time and money on my business. I know you might say it is not about money, but the strike of tomorrow will cost Greece businesses a lot of money.
As a business owner operating in tourism here in Greece, I stand by your statement Zeus. However, sometimes we all have to bite the bullet so that these people we voted into office have absolutely no choice but to come forward and forcefully fulfill their duties. It is too easy for them to hide under the screams and heartaches of a dozen people. But it is impossible for them to hide under the screams of losses of thousands of citizens. Unfortunately, in this case, we will and should justify a financial loss that will never compare to the heartache of the souls that were lost. Consider this financial hit an investment in the safety of all of our futures.
I feel for the people that died in the train crash becausw theyre humans and i pray for the souls of the dead relatives of the people rest in peace Amen