On February 28, 2025, Greece will witness a nationwide strike coinciding with the second anniversary of the tragic train crash at Tempi, which resulted in numerous fatalities and intensified concerns about transportation safety. The strike is set to bring disruption across multiple sectors, including rail, air, maritime, and taxi services.
The labor movement includes participation from various unions and associations nationwide, prominently featuring the Hellenic Train, which announced it would halt all operations on this significant date. According to reports, this decision will mean no train services would be available throughout the country, causing significant inconvenience for travelers.
Similarly, Aegean Airlines and Olympic Air have communicated the cancellation and modification of several flights. "On February 28, 2025, all scheduled flights across domestic and international networks will be canceled, except for select modified flights, as part of our commitment to ensuring the safety of both crews and passengers," Aegean stated. This includes changes not only for the day of the strike but also for the days surrounding it.
The Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO) has similarly declared its commitment to the strike, asserting, "All ships will remain docked as we call for justice and safety reforms due to the unresolved safety issues stemming from the disaster at Tempi." Their action underlines the broader call for action to address safety concerns across maritime transport.
Taxi drivers will also join the strike, with the taxi drivers' union organizing a three-hour work stoppage from 10 AM to 1 PM on the day of the strike. They echoed the sentiments of many other groups, demanding accountability for the tragedy and calling for more stringent measures to protect the public.
The impact of the strike is expected to extend beyond transportation, as the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) has declared this event part of their significant agenda, emphasizing how necessary it is for the state to create accountability without cover-ups. GSEE's announcement included calls for justice for the victims of the Tempi disaster, highlighting the stark reminder of its anniversary.
Members of the Athens Bar Association will partake in total abstention from their duties on the day, joining their voices with the multitude of other professionals calling for justice. "We owe it to the children who needlessly lost their lives on the Tempi tragedy," stated representatives from the taxi union.
Additionally, the Panhellenic Medical Association (PIS) will provide free health services to young people aged 16 to 30 as part of the event, commemoratively marking two years since the tragedy took place. The PIS aims to address health concerns within this demographic, showing solidarity and support as they partake fully on this day of remembrance.
Public transport systems, including buses and the metro, are still contemplating their responses. While the final decisions are yet to be communicated, it's expected these workers will mobilize to show support, potentially limiting services only to the minimum required to assist individuals needing to reach central protest locations.
On social media, many nightlife establishments and theatres have indicated their intention to close on February 28 as part of the supportive movement to honor those lost at Tempi. Information and updates are anticipated but reflect a growing consensus to engage with the strike actively.
The nationwide strike’s reach signals overwhelming discontent and aims to assert pressure toward reforms and accountability. The demands don’t just echo past grievances but lay the foundation for continued advocacy for safety improvements across all transport systems within Greece.
With numerous sectors uniting for justice, the upcoming strike is poised to become not just a day of frustration but potentially, one of significant change for the future of transportation safety regulation, ensuring such tragedies never happen again.