Train and suburban rail services across Greece were disrupted on Friday as railway workers staged a 24-hour strike over disciplinary measures, safety concerns and working conditions. The walkout followed a court ruling against the drivers’ union’s original strike and a new call for industrial action by the Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers (POS).
The dispute pits Hellenic Train against railway unions over the treatment of drivers, staffing and railway safety.
The strike was first announced on October 22
The Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel (PEPE), which represents train drivers, decided on October 22 to strike on October 30. Its formal notice to Hellenic Train listed three main demands: the withdrawal of disciplinary penalties against drivers, an end to what the union described as unequal treatment, and stronger safety measures and working conditions.
PEPE also called for compliance with safety regulations, solutions to technical problems affecting rolling stock, adequate staffing, and respect for working and rest periods. The union argued that employees should not face disciplinary action for reporting safety concerns or applying railway rules.
Court ruling leads to a second strike call
Hellenic Train challenged PEPE’s strike in court. In a statement issued on October 29, the company said the Piraeus Court of First Instance had declared the planned action unlawful because of procedural failures concerning safety staffing and the strike demands. The company also said the court had prohibited future strikes on the same subject.
Later that day, POS announced a new 24-hour strike for October 30 in support of PEPE. Hellenic Train described the move as an attempt to circumvent the court ruling and said it would disrupt services and inconvenience passengers.
Drivers raise safety and staffing concerns
PEPE says it has sought meaningful dialogue with Hellenic Train for 17 months. Its concerns include the condition of trains and facilities, driver training and supervision, and compliance with working-time rules.
The union also cites 20 resignations by newly qualified train drivers, which it says reflect difficult workplace conditions. It claims railway incidents have increased while the network operates at around 60% of normal activity because safety-system installation works remain underway.
POS has separately highlighted staffing shortages in critical roles and the need to maintain and modernize railway facilities and rolling stock. It argues that passenger and worker safety depends on adequate staffing, continuous training and modern infrastructure.
Unions call for talks with the transport ministry
POS has requested an urgent meeting with the leadership of the Ministry of Infrastructure and Transport, with Hellenic Train’s management also present. The federation says it wants concrete solutions to the problems facing railway employees and the network.
The strike halted scheduled rail services and disrupted travel across the country.
See all the latest news from Greece and the world at Greekreporter.com. Contact our newsroom to report an update or send your story, photos and videos. Follow GR on Google News and subscribe here to our daily email!
