Taxi strike grips Athens amid wider public sector walkout

Taxi drivers in Athens protest against policy changes and high fuel prices, aligning with a larger public sector strike and impacting city transportation

Athens experienced significant disruption as over 200 taxi drivers began a 48-hour strike Tuesday, intensifying the city’s transport challenges.

The taxi drivers, protesting against high fuel prices and mandatory card payment installations, organized a motorcade from Athinon Avenue to the Transport Ministry, leading to widespread road closures.

This taxi strike aligns with Wednesday’s broader public sector strike, marking the first anniversary of Greece’s deadliest rail disaster.

Unions, including the most significant public sector union, ADEDY, are demanding pay raises, healthcare and education staff hiring, and improvements in working conditions.

ADEDY’s strike encompasses workers from various sectors, such as metro, tram, train services and air traffic controllers, and will cause a complete halt in Athens’ public transport.

Buses and trolleybuses will operate on a limited schedule from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., while national and suburban trains will join the work stoppage.

Air traffic control participation is expected to ground flights, and ferries will remain docked in ports.

Taxi drivers are also expressing solidarity with the nationwide strike.

Taxi driver and union member Georgios Voilis highlighted the severe tax burden on the self-employed, calling it a ‘financial debasement’ for the taxi industry. The strike also targets ride-sharing regulations and seeks access to bus lanes.

The public sector demands include a 10% salary increase, collective wage agreements, and tax relief, focusing on combating the rising cost of living and inflation.

Medical staff, teachers and bank employees have also announced their participation in the strike, signaling widespread discontent across various sectors in Greece.

Source: Newsroom