In a statement, PEPE highlighted Hellenic Train’s admission during a court hearing that, while problems within the rail system do exist, the company claimed they were the responsibility of OSE (Hellenic Railways Organisation) and not theirs. “Hellenic Train, a subsidiary of Italy’s Ferrovie dello Stato, through its representatives, acknowledged the problems but argued that it is OSE’s duty to address them,” the union said.
PEPE condemned the company’s stance, accusing Hellenic Train of deflecting blame while refusing to invest in new rolling stock or address the closure of regional rail lines. “The management of Hellenic Train today officially emphasised its complicity in not solving the chronic problems of the Hellenic Railway. They continue to hide the truth from the public about the poor state of the railway network,” the union added.
The train drivers also raised concerns about the company’s lack of action to improve safety for both employees and passengers, referencing the deadly Tempe train crash that claimed 57 lives. “Hellenic Train’s management has proven that it does not prioritise the health and safety of its workers or passengers. We call on the company to disclose what steps it has taken—both before and after the Tempe disaster—to address the issues it claims fall under OSE’s responsibility,” the union stated.
Although the strike has been suspended following the court’s decision, PEPE expressed frustration that workers and passengers remain unprotected due to what they described as the judicial system’s failure to address their concerns. “The fight continues,” they concluded, leaving the matter to the judgement of the public.
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