Athens Bus Services Disrupted by Six-Hour Work Stoppage on December 17

Athens Bus Drivers Stage Midday Work Stoppage

Bus services across Athens, Greece, are experiencing significant disruptions today, Wednesday, December 17, 2025, as drivers participate in a six-hour work stoppage. The action, initiated by the OASA Workers' Union, is scheduled from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (11:00 to 17:00) to facilitate the union's general assembly and elections.

Impact on Urban and Suburban Routes

Commuters in the Greek capital face substantial inconvenience, with transit officials warning that the impact extends beyond the official stoppage hours. The last morning buses departed shortly before 10:00 a.m., and regular service is not expected to fully resume until after 6:00 p.m. (18:00), as buses gradually return to their routes. During the six-hour period, many urban bus lines across the city will experience very limited or no service.

However, not all services are affected. Suburban bus lines operating in Eastern and Western Attica are anticipated to run on their usual schedules, providing some alternative transport options for passengers in those areas.

Reason for the Disruption

The work stoppage was called by the Athens Urban Transport Workers' Union (OASA Workers' Union) to enable its members to attend a crucial general assembly and electoral process. The union stated that the large number of employees required to participate makes it impossible to maintain a full operational network during this time.

Advice for Commuters

Passengers are strongly advised to plan their journeys well in advance, allocate extra travel time, and consider alternative modes of transportation. The temporary suspension is part of the union's scheduled internal procedures and is not directly linked to broader industrial action, though it is expected to cause considerable inconvenience during the midday and afternoon hours.