Locomotive of Discontent: Train Drivers Unleash 24-Hour Strike Amid Growing Frustrations

The drivers of the Hellenic Train are going on a 24-hour strike on Thursday, October 10, as announced by the Panhellenic Union of Traction Staffin the context, as it states, “of our effort to protect the safety of all those who use the rail network every day”.

“The main demands of our strike”, as stated in a related announcement by the workers, are:

• Upgrade safety measures: We demand the immediate and universal operation of remote control and light signaling throughout the network in order to avoid another tragic train accident like the one in Tempe, which claimed the lives of workers and passengers.
• Completion of the infrastructure and superstructure works: It is urgent to complete the ETCS, light signals and remote control systems, which will ensure the smooth and safe operation of the trains.

• Maintenance of the railway network: Ongoing maintenance of the railway infrastructure is central to the safe operation of the lines and the reduction of risks.
• Clearing the network of natural obstacles: We demand the immediate clearing of the railway network from tree trunks and other natural obstacles, which pose a serious risk to workers and passengers and the fencing of the railway infrastructure so that pedestrians cannot easily enter it and especially in the urban fabric.
• Investments in new rolling stock: Especially on suburban lines, it is IMMEDIATELY necessary to invest in new trains to ensure the quality and safety of travel.

Transportation safety is EVERYONE’s responsibility.

We ask for the support of the citizens, because without it, the railway cannot exist.

Everyone’s cooperation is essential to ensure that the network continues to serve the public, without putting the lives of workers and passengers at risk.

We ask for the passengers’ support by informing them that our Association has assigned to Hellenic Train, as security personnel, train drivers to carry out routes to serve the needs of society.

Appeal by Hellenic Train against the strike

However, according to information, Hellenic Train is appealing to the Court of Justice against the strike on the grounds that “the majority of the union’s demands concern issues that fall within the competence of the OSE”. This is, after all, a fixed tactic of the company when announcing the mobilizations and given that it appealed to the Court against the previous 24-hour strike of another union, the corresponding reaction was expected after the announcement of the 24-hour strike for October 10.

Information states that the case will be heard tomorrow, Wednesday 9/10, with the decision expected the same day in the late afternoon.

Source: RES