February 28 Strike in Greece to Affect Public Transport, Ferry & Air Travel
UPDATE (11pm, February 27):
The strike action announced by Greece’s air traffic controllers union was deemed “illegal” after the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority had appealed against it in court. The strike therefore has been cancelled.
Flights on Wednesday, February 28, will take place normally.
Public transportation in Athens as well as ferry and air travel in Greece will be disrupted on Wednesday, February 28, due to a 24-hour strike called by the Greek Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY), the country’s main public sector umbrella union.
The strike has been announced in reaction to the high cost of living and inflationary pressures. Among other demands, the public sector union is demanding a 10 percent increase in employee wages and the formulation of collective labor agreements for salary negotiations.
ADEDY has called for a protest rally on Wednesday at 11am at Klafthmonos Square in central Athens.
According to announcements so far, on Wednesday:
– public services in Greece will be closed
– OASA buses and ILPAP trolley-buses will operate only between 9am – 9pm
– the electric railway ISAP (line 1) will not operate for 24 hours
– the suburban (proastiakos) train will not operate for 24 hours
– taxis will not be operating for 24 hours (taxi drivers have announced a 48-hour strike for February 27 & 28)
UPDATE:
– Athens’ metro lines 2 and 3 will not operate for 24 hours
– the tram will not operate for 24 hours
– OSE trains (intercity routes) will not operate for 24 hours
Air travel: Flights to/from Greek airports may be cancelled
Greece’s air traffic controllers union has announced a 24-hour strike. Considering that the Hellenic Civil Aviation Authority (HCAA) does not appeal against the strike, there will be no flights to and from Greek airports on that day.
Travelers to Greece are advised to check with their respective airlines for updates on flight cancellations and alternative arrangements.
Following the announcement, AEGEAN and Olympic Air said that until the HCAA issues an official NOTAM for flights cancellations, people that have booked to travel on Wednesday may change their tickets without any reissue fee and fare difference.
No ferries from Attica’s ports
The Pan-Hellenic Merchant Seamen’s Association (PENEN), which represents ferry workers in ports of Attica, have announced a 24-hour strike in the ports of Piraeus, Rafina and Lavrio.
At the moment no announcements have been made for other ports in Greece.
Travelers that have booked ferry tickets for Wednesday, are advised to check with their travel agents or contact local port authorities for further information.