Athens, November 26 – Public transport services in the Greek capital, Athens, are set to face significant disruption on Saturday, November 29, as employees of the metro, ISAP electric railway, and tram systems will hold a four-hour work stoppage. The industrial action, announced by STASY (Urban Rail Transport Co.) employees, is scheduled to take place from 1 am to 5 am, in protest against ongoing delays in improving their working conditions.
Reasons Behind the Work Stoppage
The decision to initiate a work stoppage stems from a series of unresolved issues that employees claim have been consistently ignored by authorities. Key among these grievances is the chronic understaffing across critical operational and maintenance roles, which workers argue compromises both efficiency and safety. Furthermore, they highlight a persistent shortage of available trains, impacting service quality and employee workload.
A significant point of contention is the Ministry of Transport’s alleged refusal to acknowledge prior private-sector experience when determining salary grades for new hires. This policy, according to STASY employees, creates an unfair wage structure and discourages experienced professionals from joining the public transport sector.
Unfulfilled Promises and Escalating Demands
Workers also point to unfulfilled commitments made by Deputy Transport Minister Konstantinos Kyranakis. They assert that promised wage increases and additional compensation for night and holiday shifts, which were integral parts of the 2024-2025 Corporate Collective Labor Agreement, have yet to be implemented. This failure to honor agreements has intensified frustration among the workforce.
Adding to their concerns, employees state they are being pressured to support the full rollout of 24-hour rail operations despite these outstanding challenges. They argue that expanding services without first addressing fundamental issues like staffing, equipment, and fair compensation places an undue burden on the existing workforce.
Potential for Further Action
STASY employees have issued a clear warning that they are prepared to escalate their actions if their demands continue to go unmet. This early-morning work stoppage serves as an initial demonstration of their resolve and a call for immediate and concrete action from the Ministry of Transport and STASY management.
The disruption on November 29 is expected to affect early morning commuters and travelers relying on public transport for airport transfers or other essential journeys. Passengers are advised to seek alternative transportation methods during the specified hours.
Broader Context of Labor Relations in Greece
This work stoppage comes amidst a broader climate of labor unrest in Greece, where various sectors have expressed dissatisfaction with working conditions and wage policies. The transport sector, in particular, has seen periodic industrial actions as workers push for better terms and adherence to collective agreements.
The Ministry of Transport has yet to issue an official statement regarding the planned stoppage or to address the specific demands put forth by STASY employees. The outcome of these negotiations will be crucial in determining whether further disruptions to Athens’ vital public transport network can be avoided.
