The general strike throughout Greece today and tomorrow will have an impact on ferry services and flights.
General strike in Greece
Commercial flights to and from Greece and between domestic destinations will be canceled from Wednesday midnight to Thursday midnight, while buses, trolleys, trains, streetcars and the metro system in the Greek capital Athens will only operate for part of the day.
Call from Organisations and Unions
Various organisations and unions have issued a strong call for action as part of the general nationwide strike on 9th April 2025.
Their focus is on pressing issues impacting workers across different sectors.
They aim to restore the 13th and 14th salaries in the public sector, secure the signing of collective labour agreements, and demand genuine salary increases instead of what representatives describe as “token increases.”
Unions highlight the urgent need for change, underscoring that dignity in the workplace is at stake.
Rising costs of living and a housing crisis have placed immense pressure on workers, with many struggling to make ends meet.
The president of the Heraklion Labour Centre, Stelios Borgias, has called upon all workers to join the strike, emphasising that the situation has become unbearable.
Dimitris Dermitzakis, the president of the local DEYDE union, remarked that the Greek public sector is one of the worst employers in Europe.
While it legally mandates 13th and 14th salaries for private sector workers, it fails to honour these commitments for its employees.
This disparity highlights the growing frustration within the labour community.
The Food Workers Union Urges Participation
The Food Workers Union has also joined the movement, urging its members to participate in the planned strike action.
The union stresses that proper working conditions and fair wages are critical to the wellbeing of workers in the food sector.
Amidst the ongoing economic challenges, they advocate for improved wages, arguing that many employees are facing economic hardship due to inflation and stagnant salaries.
The union explicitly demands that employers engage in negotiations for fair collective bargaining agreements.
They argue that such agreements are fundamental in protecting workers’ rights and ensuring a stable income.
The union’s leadership encourages all members to stand united in their calls for justice, thereby amplifying their voices in this critical struggle.
The Private Employees Union of Heraklion Supports the Strike
Likewise, the Private Employees Union of Heraklion has echoed the call for participation in the strike.
They assert that workers across all sectors must unite to advocate for better working conditions and compensation.
The union has pointed out that many employees are facing harsh realities, and the need for collective action has never been more pressing.
Their message focuses on addressing layoffs and advocating for fairer salaries amidst rising costs.
The union believes that collective action is necessary to shield employees from the adverse effects of job insecurity and inadequate wages.
They maintain that everyone deserves a fair standard of living and support each worker’s right to stand up for their entitlements during this strike.
Statement from the New Left
The New Left has released a statement underlining their position in this strike movement.
They criticise the government’s handling of recent economic issues, suggesting that the measures taken are inadequate for the challenges that workers face daily.
Their statement indicates frustration with the current political administration for promising minimal salary increases that do not sufficiently address the situation.
The New Left aims to draw attention to the plight of the working class, particularly following incidents that have showcased systemic failings within the labour market.
They argue for a more substantive reform agenda that prioritises worker rights and promotes greater fairness within the economy.
By joining forces in the strike, they intend to highlight these critical concerns and advocate for the implementation of significant changes.
Changes to ANEK ferry schedules due to today’s strike
Today, Wednesday, 9 April 2025, the Panhellenic Maritime Federation has initiated a strike that affects the ferry schedules of ANEK. According to the latest announcement, services on the routes from Chania to Piraeus and Heraklion to Piraeus will undergo several adjustments.
Key Schedule Changes
The following details outline how the schedules are modified:
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ASTERION II
- Departure: Piraeus, 9 April 2025, at 23:00
- Arrival: Heraklion, 10 April 2025, at 08:00
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EL. VENIZELOS
- Departure: Piraeus, 9 April 2025, at 23:00
- Arrival: Chania, 10 April 2025, at 07:00
Other Affected Routes
Several other ferry services will not operate as previously planned due to the strike. The details are as follows:
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BLUE STAR DELOS
- All sailings on 9 April 2025 from Piraeus at 07:25 to Paros, Naxos, Thira, Ios, and returning to Piraeus are cancelled.
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BLUE STAR PAROS
- No departures from Piraeus at 07:30 to Syros, Tinos, Mykonos, and back on 9 April 2025.
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AERO HIGHSPEEDS & FLYINGCATS
- The following trips are cancelled:
- 06:30 from Piraeus to Aegina and back at 08:30
- 10:00 from Piraeus to Poros, Hydra, and Spetses, returning at 10:40
- All subsequent Aegina routes at 12:30, 13:00, 14:40, 16:30, and 18:30 are also cancelled.
- The following trips are cancelled:
Updates on Other ANEK Services
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BLUE STAR NAXOS
- Departure from Piraeus on 9 April 2025, at 23:30.
- Stops include:
- Paros: 03:40-04:00
- Naxos: 04:50-05:10
- Donoussa: 06:20-06:30
- Aegiali: 07:10-07:20
- Stops include:
- Arrival at Piraeus is set for 15:30. Note that the approach to Astypalea is cancelled.
- Departure from Piraeus on 9 April 2025, at 23:30.
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BLUE STAR 2
- Departure from Piraeus on 9 April 2025, at 23:45.
- Stops include:
- Syros: 03:35-03:50
- Patmos, Leros, Kalymnos, Kos, and Rhodes, arriving as scheduled.
- Stops include:
- Departure from Piraeus on 9 April 2025, at 23:45.
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BLUE STAR 1
- Departure from Piraeus on 9 April 2025, at 23:59.
- Stops include:
- Chios: Arrival 08:15-09:15
- Mytilene: Arrival 12:15
- Stops include:
- Departure from Piraeus on 9 April 2025, at 23:59.
Recommendations for Travellers
Passengers are advised to check their travel times in advance and consider alternative travel options.
The changes due to the strike may affect planning, so flexibility is important.
For specific routes and the most accurate information, it is best to visit official ferry operator websites.
Details regarding the alterations can also be found in related announcements about the changes in ANEK schedules.
