Athens, April 9, 2025 — Greece ground to a halt on Wednesday as a sweeping 24-hour nationwide strike disrupted transportation, public services, and daily life across the country.
The strike, orchestrated by the nation’s largest labor unions representing both public and private sector workers, has triggered mass mobilizations in major cities and caused widespread cancellations in air, sea, and land travel.
The General Confederation of Labor (GSEE), in collaboration with other influential unions, is spearheading the industrial action. Protesters are calling for substantial wage increases, the restoration of the 13th and 14th monthly salaries for public sector employees, and the swift signing of collective labor agreements.
Demonstrators are also demanding comprehensive government measures to address the country’s surging cost of living and escalating housing crisis.
Transportation services have been hit hardest. All train routes have been suspended, along with ferry services and cargo ship operations. Air traffic controllers have joined the strike, effectively grounding all civil aviation. Only emergency and military flights are being permitted.
At Sofia Airport, several flights between the Bulgarian capital and Athens operated by Sky Express and Aegean Airlines have been canceled, stranding travelers and prompting Bulgaria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to advise its nationals to reconsider travel to Greece.
In Athens and Thessaloniki, mass demonstrations are underway. Authorities have issued advisories for residents and tourists to steer clear of protest zones, warning of possible clashes and delays.
Opposition parties have voiced support for the strike, with several members of parliament set to march alongside demonstrators.
Beyond transportation, the strike has impacted nearly every facet of public life. State institutions are shuttered for the day. Public hospitals are operating with skeleton crews and offering emergency care only.
Most schools have remained closed as teachers joined the protests, and city services — including garbage collection in Athens — have been suspended, with municipal officials urging residents to refrain from disposing of waste until regular operations resume.
The transport sector has outlined additional demands, calling for fleet upgrades, increased staffing, and improved wages.
Pensioners have also taken to the streets, demanding higher pensions and price cuts on basic goods and medicines, underscoring the shared frustration across age groups over the country’s economic difficulties.
“This is not just a labor issue; it is a survival issue,” said a union representative in Athens. “People can’t afford rent, electricity, or food — and yet wages remain stagnant. This strike is a wake-up call.”
Government officials have not yet commented publicly on the strike. However, political analysts suggest the scale of participation — which spans multiple sectors and includes both active workers and retirees — may push the administration to negotiate on at least some of the demands.
As rallies continue into the evening, the Greek public is bracing for a prolonged disruption. Many are already anticipating further strikes in the coming weeks if labor leaders’ concerns remain unaddressed.