Transport workers to step up protests
Commuters are to face more public transport upheaval on Wednesday as staff on the metro and the Piraeus-Kifissia electric railway (ISAP) have decided to stage another work stoppage from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the back of Tuesday’s walkouts. Tram workers too will walk off the job from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bus drivers have also planned a work stoppage from 11 a.m. to 3.30 p.m. on and trolley bus workers from 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. The suburban railway is expected to be operating normally.
Congestion in central Athens on Wednesday is expected to be aggravated as teachers have planned protest rallies against planned reforms affecting their sector. More traffic turmoil is expected on Friday as striking lawyers are to march on Parliament to protest the opening up of their profession to competition.
Public transport workers are protesting government reforms aimed at streamlining their debt-ridden services. They are planning another 24-hour strike on the day the controversial bill is to be voted through Parliament, expected over the next week or so.
The reforms foresee the transfer of staff to other posts in the broader public sector but, according to sources, the government is considering excluding drivers and station masters from these transfers as a concession to unionists.
