Greece has been gripped by a 24-hour nationwide strike initiated by the General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) starting this morning, Wednesday, April 17. The strike has seen substantial participation from various unions and organisations across the country.

The striking workers’ primary demands include wage increases, the restoration of Collective Bargaining Agreements, measures against profiteering, and the protection of income from precarious employment conditions. Public sector workers are also participating, following endorsements by their primary unions and federations.

Among the notable participants is EINAP, the union representing doctors in the public hospitals of Athens and Piraeus. As the day progresses, rallies are planned in central Athens and major cities nationwide, with expected significant disruptions to traffic along major thoroughfares.

Public Transport Impact During Nationwide Strike

Metro, Electric and Railway Services: The Metro, Electric Railway, and Railway workers, including those for OSE trains and the Athens Suburban Railway, are participating in the strike. As a result, these services will experience suspensions and modifications throughout their networks.

Buses in Athens: City buses in Athens will operate on a limited schedule, running from 09:00 to 21:00. There will be work stoppages from the start of the shift until 09:00 and from 21:00 until the end of the shift. However, buses on OASA lines, now managed by KTEL, will operate normally.

Urban Transport in Thessaloniki: In Thessaloniki, 50 buses along with security personnel will ensure limited urban transport service. Services for Persons with Disabilities and the N1 night line to the airport by KTEL will operate as usual.

Trolleys: Trolley services in Athens will also see work stoppages from the start of the shift until 09:00 and from 21:00 until the end of the shift. There is a scheduled pre-assembly for trolley workers at Klathmonos Square at 11:00.

Hellenic Train Specific Routes: Despite the strike, Hellenic Train will maintain certain routes with security personnel:

  • Athens – Thessaloniki – Athens: Routes 52, 53, 56, and 57
  • Larissa – Thessaloniki – Larissa: Routes 1591, 1592, 2593, 2594, 1597, and 1598
  • Piraeus – Kiato – Piraeus: Routes 1300, 1305, 1318, 1323, 1326, and 2301
  • Piraeus – Athens Airport – Piraeus: Routes 1206, 1207, 1222, 1223, 1230, and 1231
  • Athens – Chalkida – Athens: Routes 1532, 1535, 1550, 1553, 2530, and 2533

Taxis: Taxi services will be significantly affected, with a work stoppage from 5 am to 3 pm. Taxi drivers have also planned a gathering at the SATA offices at 10 am.

Additional Sectors on Strike:

  • Ships will remain docked as the PNO seamen’s union participates in the strike.
  • Bankers (OTOE), doctors and hospital workers (EINAP), and the Panhellenic Federation of Food Workers are also on strike.

Scheduled Marches and Gatherings: There are several pre-gatherings for the strike rally at Syntagma Square on April 17, set to start at 09:30:

  • Kaningos Square: Federations and private sector workers
  • Omonia Square: Craftsmen associations, professional bodies, and women’s groups
  • Propylaia: Public sector workers and student associations Pensioners will meet at 09:00 outside the Council of State and march to the Constitution. Shipping unions PEMEN, STEPHENSON, and PEEMAGEN will organise a gathering at 05:30 am at ISAP in Piraeus.

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