On Wednesday, May 1, 2024, Labour Day strikes in Greece are expected to cause significant disruptions to travel and public transportation, particularly in major cities such as Athens. These strikes, organized by influential labour unions, including the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO), the Civil Servants’ Confederation (ADEDY), and the Greek General Confederation of Labor (GSEE), are a protest against the government’s decision to shift the Labour Day holiday to May 7th.
In Athens, three rallies are planned for Wednesday morning: at 10:30 a.m. in Syntagma Square, 11 a.m. in Klafthmonos Square, and at the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens. The planned demonstrations in Athens are expected to attract many unionized workers and onlookers, with anticipated demonstrations also expected in other urban areas across Greece. Increased security measures will be implemented near protest sites, and confrontations between protesters and law enforcement may occur, potentially leading to physical altercations.
Railway workers have declared a 24-hour strike, causing the cessation of metro, tram, and electric railway services. According to the Athens Metro Workers’ Union (SELMA), the Athens Metro will be open on Labour Day from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., with work stoppages from the start of the shift until 9 a.m. and again from 9 p.m. until midnight. Bus services will be temporarily halted in the morning and resume operating from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Ships will remain docked due to a strike organized by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation, starting at 12:01 a.m. on May 1st and lasting until midnight. Travellers are strongly advised to confirm all rail, maritime, and air travel arrangements before departure, as significant disruptions to services and business operations are anticipated.
As a safety measure, it is advisable to avoid protest areas and strictly follow the instructions given by law enforcement personnel. If there is a potential security breach, such as clashes between labour crowds and security forces or police, it is essential to leave the area quickly.
