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.