# Greek railway and maritime labor strikes

> Developing situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/greek-railway-labor-dispute-and-strike-action
> Updated: 2026-10-29T18:40:32.000Z. Sources: 49. Developments: 2.

Greek railway workers, represented by the Panhellenic Railway Confederation (POS), announced a 24-hour strike for October 30, 2026, to support the Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel (PEPE). PEPE is demanding improvements to traffic safety, rolling stock conditions, and staffing levels, claiming Hellenic Train has avoided substantive dialogue for 17 months.

Hellenic Train has initiated legal action against the unions, contesting the legality of the mobilization. The company argues the strike attempts to bypass a Piraeus Court of First Instance ruling that previously declared a strike illegal due to procedural failures regarding security staffing. The labor organization PAME has criticized the company, accusing it of attempting to “criminalize industrial action” and linking management to the Tempi train crash.

In addition to the rail disruption, maritime unions have launched a simultaneous 24-hour strike affecting seven major Greek ports, including Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Patras, Igoumenitsa, Elefsina, and the Rio-Antirrio connection. Seafarers are seeking a 12% wage increase, better working conditions, and shorter workdays. This maritime protest is also part of an international movement by port workers to oppose the use of commercial ports for transporting military equipment and personnel to conflict zones.

The combined industrial action has caused widespread disruption, impacting major rail routes such as Athens–Thessaloniki, Thessaloniki–Serres, and Alexandroupoli–Ormenio, as well as suburban services in Athens and Patras. The maritime strike, involving unions such as PEMEN, PENEN, and the Stephenson Union, has also impacted ferry travel, leaving several islands isolated from the mainland.

## Claims

- A 24-hour strike is scheduled for Friday, October 30. (reported by 14 sources)
- The strike affects trains and the suburban railway. (reported by 13 sources)
- The Piraeus Single-Member Court of First Instance ruled the PEPE strike illegal. (reported by 13 sources)
- The previous strike was ruled illegal due to non-compliance with security staffing procedures. (reported by 12 sources)
- Hellenic Train claims the new strike is an attempt to bypass a judicial decision. (reported by 12 sources)
- The court ruling prohibited future strikes on the same subject. (reported by 12 sources)
- Metro services are expected to operate normally. (reported by 12 sources)
- PEPE demands improvements in traffic safety and rolling stock condition. (reported by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-29: Greece transport strikes disrupt railways and major ports

Coordinated 24-hour strikes by railway and maritime workers in Greece have disrupted train services and major ports, including Piraeus, amid disputes over safety, wages, and legal strike legitimacy.

48 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/greek-railway-workers-announce-24-hour-strike

### 2026-10-29: Hellenic Train takes railway unions to court over planned strike

Hellenic Train is taking railway unions to court over an upcoming strike on October 30, sparking accusations of criminalizing labor action from PAME.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/hellenic-train-takes-railway-unions-to-court-over-planned-strike

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Cite as: Greek railway and maritime labor strikes. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/greek-railway-labor-dispute-and-strike-action