Greece: Unions plan 24-hour nationwide strike and protests Nov. 9 /update 1

Event

Major trade unions in Greece plan to strike and protest in Greece Nov. 9 to denounce the Russian offensive against Ukraine and call for government intervention to mitigate related price increases. Members of various groups, including PAME, and the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE), will observe a 24-hour nationwide strike. Public transportation workers will partially observe the strike. Panhellenic Railway Federation workers will strike throughout Nov. 9. In Athens bus workers will strike from the start of operations until 09:00 and from 21:00 until the end of operations, and metro and tram workers will strike from start of service until 08:00 and from 22:00 until the end of service.

As of Nov. 7, the European Organisation for the Safety of Air Navigation (Eurocontrol) has stated that Greece's Air Traffic Control union (EEEKE) will also strike, from 09:00-15:00 Nov. 9.

On the same day, unionized workers will stage a demonstration in central Athens. PAME members will gather from 11:00 at Karaiskaki Square, while GSEE members will gather from 11:00 at Klafthmonos Square.

The strike will likely prompt disruptions to public transport in Athens, including Metro, bus, tram, and trolley bus services. Air travel to and from Greek airports will also be delayed or disrupted. Authorities will likely deploy additional police to monitor all demonstrations. Large crowds and related security measures could prompt localized disruptions. Scuffles between protesters and police and also a possibility

Advice

Avoid the demonstrations as a routine precaution and allow additional time for travel in the vicinity of any gatherings Nov. 9. Leave the area at the first sign of a confrontation. Check public transport schedules before travel and allow additional time for time-sensitive journeys. Check airline schedules.