Two years have passed since the tragic train collision in Tempi, and on Friday, February 28, all roads across Greece lead to designated gathering points for memorial events, protests and nationwide strikes.

A large turnout is expected for the commemorations honoring the 57 victims, expressing solidarity with the injured, and supporting the families’ ongoing fight for justice. Participation is anticipated to surpass that of the January 26 demonstrations.

Shops across the country will close as a mark of respect, and trade unions have announced a general strike.

Who Is Participating in the Strike?

The General Confederation of Greek Workers (GSEE) is demanding accountability for the disaster, improved transport safety, and the protection of public services. It has expressed full support for the Association of the Victims’ Families and is calling on all citizens to join the protests.

To facilitate participation, GSEE and the Civil Servants’ Confederation have declared a 24-hour strike. Numerous professional and social groups are joining, including the Panhellenic Maritime Federation, railway workers, air traffic controllers, taxi drivers, lawyers, teachers, doctors, merchants, artists and students.

Teachers’ unions have also urged members to participate. However, the Ministry of Education has announced that schools will operate as usual and attendance will be recorded. Meanwhile, teachers’ associations are expected to hold meetings to coordinate their participation.

In the judiciary, the Association of Judges and Prosecutors has called for a one-hour suspension of court sessions, while pharmacies will observe a three-hour work stoppage. The Greek Medical Association has encouraged doctors nationwide to provide free services to individuals aged 16-30.

Cultural spaces, including theaters and nightclubs, will close, as the Greek Actors’ Association has joined the strike. The Acropolis Museum workers’ association has also signaled its participation, submitting a request to the Minister of Culture and museum management.

The hospitality sector is supporting the protest with symbolic gestures, such as turning off lights for 57 seconds, setting up 57 empty chairs with candles, and displaying messages like “The Hospitality Industry Mourns.”

Universities Suspend Operations

Many universities across the country have announced that they will suspend classes on February 28. The Aristotle University of Thessaloniki (AUTH), where many of the young victims studied, has stated that flags will fly at half-mast in mourning.

Public Transport and Taxi Operations

Urban transportation workers have unanimously voted to strike on February 28. However, fixed-track transport services, along with taxi drivers, have chosen to operate during the protest hours to assist demonstrators.

The transport unions of Metro, Electric Railway, and the Tram have announced a 24-hour strike but will operate from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm to accommodate protest attendees, following a request from the “Association of Tempi Disaster Victims 28/02/2023.”

Buses, Trolleys, Trains, Airplanes, and Ships

A 24-hour strike has been announced for buses and trolleys, though private-run services in Eastern and Western Attica are expected to operate. The Athens Urban Transport Workers’ Union and the Trolley Workers’ Union are demanding “No More Tempi – Safe, Modern, Quality Public Transport” and are calling for mass participation in the Syntagma rally.

All train services, including Athens’ suburban railway, will be suspended as Hellenic Train and TRAINOSE workers observe a full-day strike to mark the second anniversary of the disaster.

Air travel will also be affected, as the Greek Air Traffic Controllers Association has announced participation in the 24-hour strike, grounding all scheduled flights.

Ships will remain docked as the Panhellenic Maritime Federation has confirmed a full-day strike.

Transport Disruptions in Thessaloniki

In Thessaloniki, the public transport authority will operate with a reduced fleet of 57 buses, including accessible vehicles for people with disabilities and the airport’s night line (N1), due to workers joining the nationwide strike.

Mass Rallies Planned

Demonstrations have been scheduled in over 300 cities across Greece and internationally, with more locations being added daily.