Greece: Nationwide general strike to disrupt transportation Dec. 14

Event

Multiple labor unions are expected to take part in a planned 24-hour nationwide general strike in Greece on Thursday, December 14, leading to significant transportation disruptions. Public transportation in Athens is expected to be particularly limited by the strike:

• Nationwide bus and trolley services (including in Athens) will only be available from 09:00 (local time) to 21:00;

• Metro line 1 ("Electric") will only operate from 09:00 to 21:00;

• Metro lines 2 and 3 will only run from 09:00 to 16:00;

• the Tram will only run from 09:00 to 16:00;

• Suburban train and TRAINOSE services will be suspended throughout the 24-hour strike from 00:00 on Thursday, December 14 to 00:00 on Friday, December 15;

• Evening train service from Athens to Thessaloniki (scheduled for 00:00 on Thursday, December 14) is canceled.

Additionally, the Greek Hellenic Federation of Shipping will partake in the general strike, halting all shipping from 00:00 on Thursday to 00:00 on Friday. Ferry service from the mainland to Greek islands is also expected to be disrupted; it is yet unclear if air transportation will be affected on Thursday.

Significant traffic disruptions are expected in Athens and other major Greek cities on Thursday, December 14. Increased road congestion and demand for taxis is likely as commuters use alternate means of transportation.

Context

Thursday's planned strike was called by two large Greek labor unions, the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) and the Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY), to protest proposed neoliberal legislation aimed at satisfying international creditors and securing additional bailout funding. If passed, the legislation would reportedly cut salaries and pensions of Greek public sector workers, open Greek natural gas and electricity markets to greater competition, and institute new barriers in Greek labor laws against unionization and related action. The striking parties generally demand pay rises and increased public sector hiring, in addition to rejecting the measures in the proposed legislation.

Advice

Individuals traveling in Greece are advised to monitor the situation and to allow for extra time to reach their destinations.