Greece Faces Nationwide Transport Strike on Tempi Disaster Anniversary

Nationwide Transport Halt Marks Tempi Anniversary

Greece is observing a 24-hour nationwide transport strike today, February 28, 2026, coinciding with the third anniversary of the devastating Tempi train disaster. The industrial action, initiated by various labor unions and supported by victims' families, has led to extensive disruptions across the country's transportation network, alongside widespread public demonstrations demanding justice and enhanced safety measures.

Widespread Disruptions Across Key Sectors

The strike, which commenced at 00:01 and is set to conclude at midnight, has brought significant segments of Greek transport to a standstill.

• Rail services are completely halted nationwide, with Hellenic Train announcing no operations across its network due to railway workers' participation.
• Ferry services have been suspended across the country, following a 24-hour strike declaration by the Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO), leaving vessels docked in ports.
• In Athens, urban transport is also heavily impacted. OASA buses and ILPAP trolley-buses are suspended for the entire 24-hour period.
• The Athens Metro (Lines 2 and 3) is operating on a limited schedule, from 9:00 AM until closing, while the Tram and Electric Railways (Line 1) are running from 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
• Notably, Syntagma and Panepistimio Metro stations are closed from 9:00 AM, with trains passing through without stopping, due to police orders related to planned protest rallies.
• Metro services to and from Athens International Airport are operating normally from 9:00 AM.

Calls for Justice and Accountability

The strike and accompanying rallies are a direct response to the Tempi rail disaster, which occurred on February 28, 2023, when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train, resulting in 57 fatalities, many of whom were young students. Unions, including the Civil Servants' Confederation (ADEDY) and the Athens Labor Center, along with the Association of the Families of Tempi Victims, are demanding accountability for the tragedy, improved safety systems, adequate staffing, and infrastructure upgrades within the railway network.

Thousands of citizens have gathered in demonstrations across more than 70 cities, including major centers like Athens (Syntagma Square), Thessaloniki, and Larissa. Protesters carried banners and chanted slogans, emphasizing that the disaster was not an accident but a consequence of systemic failures. The long-anticipated trial for dozens of railway employees and officials implicated in the disaster is scheduled to commence on March 23, 2026.