Genidounias, who led the union during and after the fatal accident in Tempe, has been vocal in highlighting systemic safety failures within the Greek railway system and the company’s role in the tragedy. He has repeatedly accused Hellenic Train and government officials of attempting to cover up the true causes behind the deadly incident, which claimed dozens of lives.

Speaking to NewsIt, Genidounias was unequivocal:

“I didn’t step down – I was sacked. They served a legal notice at my house. I’m currently discussing it with my lawyers. But make no mistake: I did not resign.”

Strong reactions from opposition parties

Nasos Iliopoulos, parliamentary spokesperson for the New Left, condemned what he described as “mafia-style tactics” carried out “with the government’s blessing.” Addressing Parliament, he emphasised the timing of the dismissal – the day before International Workers’ Day, ahead of the union’s internal elections, and as Genidounias was preparing to testify in court.

“This isn’t just coincidental,” he said. “It’s a deliberate attempt to silence those who challenge the official narrative.”

Genidounias had previously been excluded from testifying before the parliamentary inquiry into the Tempe disaster – despite requests from both himself and opposition parties – by the ruling New Democracy party.

“This is the man who warned of the railway’s safety issues before the disaster. He stood up for the truth, against the lie that it was all just ‘human error’.”

Opposition leaders have echoed these concerns. SYRIZA’s president, Sokratis Famellos, condemned the move as a targeted attack on unionism.

“The very person who persistently warned then-minister Karamanlis about safety risks is now being punished – just as a case file on Karamanlis’ political liability arrives in Parliament,” he said. “This is a corrupt and authoritarian government that punishes those who expose it. But they won’t get away with it.”

Similarly, New Left’s Alexis Charitsis expressed outrage online:

“Hands off Kostas Genidounias! The whole country knows who he is – the man who signed legal warnings about the dangers in our rail system, the man who revealed the lies behind the photo-op planned by Mr Mitsotakis in Thessaloniki the day before the Tempe disaster.”

Charitsis described the dismissal as “employer terrorism,” calling it “a shameless attempt to intimidate a trade unionist fighting for truth and railway safety.” He emphasised the significance of the timing – on the eve of International Workers’ Day, amid looming union elections, and immediately after the parliamentary referral of the case against Karamanlis.

“Let it be known across Greece: intimidation will not succeed. Hellenic Train is guilty. The government is guilty. The dismissal must be reversed – immediately.”

Trade unions demand immediate reinstatement

Trade unions across the railway sector have rallied behind Genidounias, demanding his immediate reinstatement. The Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel (PEPE) has denounced the dismissal as a “vindictive” and “illegal” act of interference in trade union affairs.

According to PEPE, the sacking took place “just one day after Genidounias submitted his candidacy for the upcoming union elections, and on the very day of International Workers’ Day.” The union described the move as a blatant assault on the fundamental right to organise:

“It is not only unlawful and abusive – it’s a direct violation of our members’ right to unionise.”

PEPE squarely blames Hellenic Train’s CEO, Mr Rinaudo, accusing him of using intimidation and repression to silence critics and suppress the truth about the dire state of the Greek railways.

“Instead of addressing the systemic problems within the railway, Mr Rinaudo has pursued a regime of fear and control, seeking to silence those who speak out about safety failures that contributed to the Tempe tragedy.”

The union further emphasised the hypocrisy of a company that receives generous state subsidies only to “terrorise, gag and fire” employees who highlight serious safety concerns.

“Hellenic Train is funded by taxpayers to provide public transport – not to punish those fighting for safety and transparency.”

In a strongly worded conclusion, PEPE demanded not only the revocation of Genidounias’ dismissal but also accountability from the company’s Italian parent, Ferrovie dello Stato Italiane, which it urged to disavow these “unacceptable and illegal practices.”

Meanwhile, the TrainOSE Staff Workers’ Union (SEP TRAINOSE) issued its own condemnation, describing the company’s actions as “the epitome of employer arbitrariness and arrogance.” While acknowledging past disagreements with Genidounias, the union affirmed its solidarity:

“Our differences with Kostas are deep and irreconcilable… But supporting him now means supporting every wrongfully dismissed colleague.”

The statement accused Hellenic Train’s leadership of a broader pattern of abuses, referencing past dismissals conducted “on false pretences” and with “fast-track procedures” under previous management. It denounced the company for poor governance, financial mismanagement, and a lack of strategic vision.

The union reiterated its demand for the immediate rehiring of all unfairly dismissed workers and their full moral and material rehabilitation.

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