Greece faces 24-hour rail shutdown amid worker protests

Train operations across Greece are set to be disrupted as workers launch a nationwide strike.

“On November 18, routes across the entire railway network, including suburban lines, will be suspended or altered due to a 24-hour strike called by the Panhellenic Federation of Railway Employees, and the Greek Rail Workers’ Union,” the Greek media said.

The strike was announced by employees of the national operator Hellenic Train in protest against what they describe as the company’s “systematic indifference” to persistent industry challenges. Key grievances include chronic train delays, poor-quality rolling stock, unwarranted dismissals, staffing shortages, and deteriorating working conditions.

The unions emphasized that understaffing places an excessive burden on employees, resulting in grueling schedules that compromise the safety of both railway staff and passengers.

By Vafa Guliyeva