Athens, January 12 – Taxi drivers across the wider Athens area commenced an open-ended strike on Tuesday, January 12, 2026, to press for a range of demands, including a deferral of the mandatory switch to electric vehicles, unrestricted access to the capital’s public transport lanes, and tax concessions. The industrial action, organized by the Attica Taxi Drivers’ Union (SATA), is set to exacerbate Athens’ already challenging traffic conditions.
Strike Action and Demands
The strike, which began with drivers gathering their vehicles downtown at 10 a.m. to proceed to the transport ministry building, is scheduled to repeat daily at the same time for the duration of the protest. SATA’s primary grievance centers on the requirement, effective from the beginning of this year, that all new taxi licenses must be for electric vehicles. The union is advocating for this deadline to be extended until 2035.
Financial Burden of Electric Vehicles
A statement released by SATA underscored the financial strain this mandate places on its members. “In the absence of sufficient charging infrastructure, with power bills sky-high and outrageously high purchase costs for (electric) vehicles, the forced transition to electric vehicles amounts to financial extinction for the sector,” the statement asserted. The union emphasized its resolve, stating that it “will not watch passively as our sector is destroyed.”
Warning to the Government
SATA issued a stern warning to the government: “If the government continues to ignore our justified demands, our response will be strenuous… and contain big surprises.” This suggests a potential escalation of protest actions if their demands are not met.
Impact on Athens
The strike is anticipated to significantly impact commuters and traffic flow in Athens. With taxis being a crucial component of the city’s public transport network, their absence and the planned protest convoys will inevitably lead to increased congestion and inconvenience for residents and visitors alike. The union’s call for daily gatherings and drives to the transport ministry will further disrupt central Athens.
Broader Context of Protests
This strike by Athens taxi drivers is part of a broader pattern of protests and industrial actions across various sectors in Greece. The demands for economic relief, better working conditions, and reconsideration of government policies are recurring themes in the country’s socio-political landscape.
Government Response Awaited
As of now, there has been no immediate official response from the Greek government or the Ministry of Transport regarding the taxi drivers’ demands or the ongoing strike. The situation is expected to develop as the strike continues and its impact on the capital becomes more pronounced.
The outcome of these negotiations and protests will likely have significant implications for the future of the taxi industry in Greece, particularly concerning the transition to environmentally friendly vehicles and the economic viability of the sector.
Source: https://www.ekathimerini.com/news/1292119/athens-taxi-drivers-launch-open-ended-strike-tuesday/
