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Transport strike snarls traffic in Athens

Transport strike snarls traffic in Athens | iNFOnews.ca
A commuter uses the stairs of the closed Doukissis Plakentias Metro station during a 24-hour strike in Athens, Thursday, Feb. 23, 2017. Metro and tram workers are on strike against new legislation that will allow the Athens Public Transport Organization (OASA) to make commercial use of stations and areas belonging to STASY, the operator of the capital's fixed-track public transport system. (AP Photo/Thanassis Stavrakis)

ATHENS, Greece – Metro, urban rail and tram workers in the Greek capital have walked off the job for 24 hours to protest legislation that would allow the Athens transport organization to make commercial use of stations.

Thursday’s strike snarled traffic across the city and left buses as the only form of public transport. Workers in Athens’ subway, tram and urban railway have also declared 24-hour strikes for March 1 and 3, for the same reason.

Workers’ unions demanded the legislation be withdrawn, saying it would deprive the metro organization of funds and undermine its public character.

Greece frequently experiences strikes in a wide variety of sectors. In recent years they have focused on labour reforms and spending cuts imposed as part of the country’s international bailout.

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