Greece is poised to experience significant disruption on February 28th, 2025, as nationwide strikes and protests mark two years since the tragic train accident at Teampe, which resulted in the deaths of 57 individuals. The primary focus of these mobilizations will be to honor the victims and push for justice and improvements to transportation safety standards.
The protests are set to include massive support from various sectors, including rail workers, maritime shipping affiliates, air traffic controllers, and employees from public and private sectors, primarily organized by unions such as ADEDY (the federation of public sector unions) and GSEE (the general confederation of Greek workers). According to union representatives, the day is not just about remembrance but demanding changes to prevent future tragedies.
“On February 28th, 2025, we commemorate two years from the unimaginable tragedy at Teampe,” stated the Τέμπη 2023 Association. “We do not forget. We do not remain silent. We call on you to stand beside us, with your spirit and presence, to unite our voices to honor the memory of the victims and demand justice. Words are no longer enough.” This sentiment of remembrance and call to action will echo throughout protests occurring across the country, beginning at 11 AM in more than 200 cities.
Specifically, significant disruptions are anticipated within the transportation sector. The Hellenic Train has announced the cancellation of all train services owing to the 24-hour strike by rail workers, leaving trains immobilized across the entire network. Similar disruptions will affect maritime services; the Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO) has declared from midnight until midnight on the same day, all types of ships will remain docked at ports nationwide, halting ferry and maritime travel.
Air travel will also feel the strain of the strike, as air traffic controllers represented by EEEKE will participate, resulting in flight cancellations and alterations. Only specific flights such as those overflying the Athens FIR, state officials' flights, medical emergencies, and humanitarian operations will be authorized.
Statements from unions have reinforced the urgency of the movements, amid calls for accountability and safety reforms. The OMYLE (Federation of Port Employees of Greece) put forth their demands through firm declarations, emphasizing the need for the law to operate effectively: “We demand: The state of law must operate finally. No cover-up or compromise. The responsibility for the deaths must be held accountable, regardless of their position,” stated representatives. These demands echo within the port as other worker groups, including the Union of dockworkers at COSCO, voiced their opinions on the working conditions following the Teampe tragedy.
Many labor leaders argue the Teampe accident highlights broader issues surrounding worker safety. A spokesperson for the Union of port workers of OLP remarked, “The tragedy at Teampe is the most deadly labor accident of recent years, with 11 rail workers among the dead, exposing perilous workplace conditions for both staff and passengers.” They insisted, “Our lives do not weigh against profit,” addressing the rising concerns over private sector motives taking precedence over worker safety.
Strikes are expected to extend beyond public transport; even taxi drivers announced mourning strikes, pausing services from 10 AM to 1 PM as part of the day’s collective expression of grief and demands for justice. Public transport services including busses, tram and the underground are anticipated to be affected with tentative announcements indicating potential stops during strikes to aid attendance at rallies.
The public response to these strikes and protests is anticipated to be substantial, reflecting the solidarity of communities grieving the lives lost and demanding systemic change. Demonstrations will take place at several notable venues—Syntagma Square, Athens, and at the Venizelos Statue, Thessaloniki, both planned to kick off at 11:00 AM.
The upcoming protests on February 28th represent not only mourning but also demand for justice and reforms to safeguard against similar disasters. “We demand all political and criminal responsibilities for the tragedy of Teampe,” denounced ENEDEP (Association of Port Workers), encapsulating the essence of the movement—it’s not just about honoring the past but securing the future, ensuring such tragedies do not occur again.
With the history of this date marked by sorrow and the sentiment of resilience, the people of Greece are making clear their need for change—their lives depend on it. The refrain being expressed by unions during the marches resonates powerfully: “Our lives do not weigh against profit.” The protests showcase both the grievous lessons learned and the fervent desire for solutions moving forward.