Greece will experience major travel disruptions on February 28, 2025, as railway workers stage a 24-hour nationwide strike.
Organized by the Panhellenic Federation of Railways and Fixed-Track Vehicles (P.O.S. & M.S.T.), the strike marks the anniversary of the tragic Tempi train crash, which claimed 57 lives, including 11 railway employees.
Why Are Railway Workers Striking?
February 28 has been designated a day of remembrance and protest by railway workers across Greece. Their demands center on justice for the victims and urgent safety improvements to the country’s railway network. Key demands include:
- Justice for the deceased passengers and railway workers affected by the Tempi disaster.
- Recruitment of permanent staff to address labor shortages in critical railway roles.
- Completion of overdue infrastructure projects and upgraded safety systems to prevent further accidents.
- Modernization of railway facilities, rolling stock, and mechanical equipment to ensure worker and passenger safety.
- Reunification of the Greek railway under state supervision, removing fragmented operations.
Impact on Travel in Greece
With railway services shut down for 24 hours, passengers should expect severe travel disruptions across Greece, particularly for intercity and suburban train routes. This will likely affect:
- Athens-Thessaloniki railway connections – one of Greece’s busiest train routes.
- Proastiakos suburban railway services in Athens, Thessaloniki, and Patras.
- Regional and freight train operations, potentially affecting supply chains.
Passengers planning to travel by train on February 28 are strongly advised to rebook their tickets or seek alternative transportation.
Memorial Gatherings and Protests
The strike is not just a call for better working conditions but also a memorial event to honor the victims of the Tempi crash. Railway unions and victim associations have planned the following public demonstrations:
- Wreath-laying ceremony at the Tempi crash site
- Rally in Athens – Syntagma Square at 11:00 a.m.
- Rally in Thessaloniki – Statue of Venizelos at 11:00 a.m.
- Local mobilizations led by the Tempi Victims Association
“For all of us railway workers, February 28 will remain a day of mourning… and will be honored as such,” union leaders stated.
Travelers Should Avoid Protest Areas
While the strikes are primarily labor-related, protests can escalate into confrontations between demonstrators and law enforcement. Authorities in Athens and Thessaloniki have warned that police may use force if protests become disruptive. Travelers should exercise caution and avoid large gatherings in the following areas:
- Syntagma Square, Athens – The central protest site, near government buildings.
- Statue of Venizelos, Thessaloniki – A major rallying point for demonstrators.
- Tempi Memorial Site – Expected to be heavily monitored by authorities.
- Railway stations and surrounding areas – Possible flashpoints for demonstrations.
Visitors in Greece on February 28 should stay informed via local news and monitor updates from their embassy. It is advisable to use alternative routes and avoid public transport disruptions where possible.
Strikes Also Expected to Disrupt Travel in Italy
This railway strike in Greece is just one of several major transport strikes happening across Europe on February 28. Italy is also bracing for significant travel disruptions, as airport workers in Venice, Bergamo, and Palermo stage walkouts that could cause flight delays and cancellations.
Read more about the Italian airport strikes and how they may impact travelers here.
