Greek commuters to face serious transport problems Tues due to 24 union strike
ATHENS (Thomson Financial) – The Greek commuting public will face serious transport problems tomorrow due to the 24 hour nation wide strike called by the General Confederation of Workers (GSEE) and the Civil Servants Union (ADEDY), which may potentially grind the whole country to a halt.
The general strike was called by the unions to demand the return of money invested by social insurance funds in allegedly overpriced bonds, an ongoing case which is still be investigated that has greatly embarrassed the government.
‘We want the money to be returned, and those responsible to be held accountable,’ the unions said in a statement on Monday.
The government is purging the state-appointed heads of around a dozen funds implicated in the bond investment case, which the opposition has denounced as a major scandal.
The strikes are likely to cause particular problems for air transportation because there will be a four hour stoppage by air traffic controllers between 12.00 pm and 4.00 pm local time, forcing the cancellation or rescheduling for tens of local and international flights, especially by local carriers Olympic Airlines and Aegean Airlines.
Olympic Airlines alone said it has cancelled or changed at least 30 scheduled flights. Other carriers scheduled to takeoff or land during those hours will also face problems. Airlines have recommended that passenger contact their offices for specific flight information.
The Athens Metro and other train transport services will be shut down for 24 hours. Trolleys will have a stoppage between 11.00 am to 3.00 pm, and trams will not work between 12.00 pm to 4.00 pm.
Both public sector and private sector workers will be striking, although the level of participation is expected to be higher in the public and government controlled enterprises. Bank workers are expected to be on strike, but private sector banks are likely to be less affected. Hospitals will be working on skeleton staff.
Journalists who were also on strike last Tuesday are expected to strike tomorrow between 6.00 am to 6.00 pm. However, this is not expected to affect Thomson Financial News coverage from Athens.