The Allou Fun Park, located in Nikaia-Rendi, has been closed following the municipal council's unanimous decision citing the expiration of its operating license. The park's operator, FUNTASTIC LAND MONOPROSOPI S.A., was informed of this action after failing to submit required documentation for license renewal, which was due by December 19, 2024, as stated by officials.
The mayor of Nikaia-Rendi, Konstantinos Maragkakis, remarked, “This decision reflects our commitment to safety and legality.” He clarified, “Despite repeated warnings, the necessary paperwork has not been submitted, necessitating this closure for the protection of our children and the community.”
The news has caused considerable distress among the park’s employees, who are now facing uncertainty over their wages and job security. Representatives from the employee union at Allou Fun Park have voiced their opposition to the closure, branding the company’s response as negligently indifferent to worker safety. “We will not step back on issues concerning the health and security of the staff,” they declared, signaling readiness for potential disputes over unpaid wages during the park's closure.
The union criticized the management’s approach, stating, “We’ve been persistently calling attention to safety issues concerning both employees and visitors. It is unacceptable for the company not to comply with safety standards.” Recent incidents, including power outages and safety complaints from employees, have fueled their concerns about the operational conditions of the park, underscoring broader worries about job security.
According to union representatives, many employees work under precarious contracts allowing just two to three shifts, but they are often required to work many more hours without proper remuneration. They urged, “No worker’s pay should be cut, regardless of whether the park is open or closed.” They are especially concerned, since many employees remain unpaid for the months of October and November due to management’s failure to heed their requests for timely payments.
While workers await clarification on the situation, Allou Fun Park management responded defensively, insisting the park possesses the proper operational license and has complied with safety regulations. They stated, “We submitted all necessary documentation for renewal prior to the license expiration date.” The park confirmed it has been adhering to safety protocols and undergone all mandatory inspections.
The management elaborated, “The process is underway, and we anticipate the committee's decision from the municipality of Agios Ioannis Rendi will be issued shortly.” Until then, they report, the park will remain closed, but Kidom, another area entertainment facility, continues full operations.
The union addressed the local labor inspection authority, calling upon it to monitor the situation and safeguard employee rights during the park's closure, emphasizing the urgency to prevent non-compliance with salary payments. “We demand immediate measures to protect our contracts and salaries during this downtime. The employer’s long-standing practice of late payments must end,” they asserted.
Highlighting their determination, the union told the labor inspection body, “We will not allow employees to become victims of the employer's negligence toward workplace health and safety standards.” They affirmed their commitment to advocating for fair wages and safe working conditions, underscoring the risk of employee exploitations amid financial uncertainties created by the current impasse.
Additionally, the municipal council's decision to close included reflections on the broader framework of public safety, with officials stressing how compliance with operational licensing laws serves to protect the community. “We will not compromise on safety. It’s our fundamental duty as public representatives,” added Maragkakis.
Meanwhile, the park continues its call for the rapid resolution of the licensing issues, committing to cooperate with authorities to restore operations as soon as possible. “We remain committed to transparency and compliance so we can reactivate the park for the enjoyment and safety of all,” they concluded.
This case encapsulates the delicate balance between business operations and the demands for employee rights and safety protocols, raising important questions about the oversight of entertainment venues.
