Greece braces for nationwide strike on October 14
The General Confederation of Employees of Greece (GSEE), the country's largest trade union representing private-sector workers, has called on all workers to participate in a nationwide 24-hour strike on Tuesday, October 14, 2025.
The strike is being organised in coordination with the Athens Labour Centre (EKA), and will be accompanied by a major rally at Syntagma Square, scheduled for 11:00 a.m.
The strike is being held in protest against a proposed government bill that union leaders claim would effectively introduce 13-hour working days and further erode labour protections through increased workplace flexibility.
In a statement released Friday, GSEE urged workers across all sectors to join the strike, denouncing the legislation as "an attack on basic labour rights" and calling for its immediate withdrawal.
Shipping sector joins nationwide walkout
Significant disruptions are expected in maritime transportation, as the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers (PEMEN) and the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Seamen (PENEN) also announced their participation in the strike. All ships in the Attica region are expected to remain docked for the entire day on October 14.
The maritime unions described the bill as "legalising inhumane 13-hour workdays" and pledged continued resistance to what they describe as an aggressive rollback of longstanding labour standards.
The 24-hour strike in the shipping sector will run from 00:01 to 23:59 on Tuesday.
Public transport adjusts operations amid strike
Athens' public transportation services will also be affected, with various unions joining the strike. While exact details are still emerging, the Panhellenic Federation of Railway Workers has confirmed its participation. Hellenic Train is expected to release a full schedule of cancellations and limited services in the coming days.
Urban rail services will operate on a limited schedule. STASY, the operator of the Athens Metro, ISAP (Line 1), and the tram network, announced that Metro Lines 2 and 3, Line 1, and trams will run from 09:00 to 17:00 to facilitate access to the Syntagma rally.
Announcements regarding the participation of bus and trolley unions are expected soon.
