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With Flights Cancelled & Ferries Suspended, Why Has Greece Come To A Standstill?

A nationwide general strike in Greece paralysed transport, disrupted travel, and drew thousands of citizens to the streets.

by Tashika Tyagi
With Flights Cancelled & Ferries Suspended, Why Has Greece Come To A Standstill?

Greece was brought to a standstill after a nationwide strike disrupted transport and travel, and brought thousands of citizens to the streets. The 24-hour strike was called by the two union groups seeking increases in salaries and a full return of collective bargaining rights. Protesters marched through the centre of Athens on April 9 and the protest ended peacefully. Scroll on to know more about this.

General Strike In Greece Brings Country To A Standstill

Greece strike
Image Courtesy: X/@PAME_Greece

According to Euronews, thousands of protestors took over the streets of Athens on Wednesday, during a 24-hour nationwide general strike in Greece. The protestors demanded wage increases and relief from the country’s ongoing cost-of-living crisis.

Reportedly, the union groups were also seeking a full return of collective bargaining rights, which were scrapped as part of international bailouts during Greece’s financial crisis. This general strike came just weeks after a similar protest descended into chaos in February. The latest protest was organised by public and private-sector unions.

The umbrella union for the public sector, ADEDY, asked for wage increases and the return of holiday bonuses for civil servants. These bonuses were equivalent to two months’ salary. They were abolished as part of bailout austerity measures that were taken after a debt crisis from 2009 to 2018.

Also Read: From Greece To Thailand, These 7 Tourist Hubs Have Enforced Major Tourist Tax Hikes For 2025

Flights Cancelled, Ferries Tied Up At Ports

Greece strike
Image Courtesy: X/@vedatyeler_

Due to the protest, urban transportation in Greece was affected on Wednesday. Commercial flights to and from Greece and between domestic destinations were cancelled from midnight on Wednesday until midnight on Thursday. This was because air traffic controllers joined the strike as well. In Athens, buses, trolleys, trains, trams and the subway system were operating for only part of the day.

Furthermore, ferries serving the Aegean and Ionian islands were tied up at the ports. Schools, courts, banks, and most public services were also shut down.

Also Read: Greece Reports 14 Mil Overnight Stays In 2024 Despite Curbs; Continues To Face Challenges Of Overtourism

We hope the authorities are able to take care of the situation in Greece soon and normalcy is restored in the country.

Cover Image Courtesy: X/@vedatyeler_ & Canva (representative image)

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First Published: April 10, 2025 12:36 PM