A 24-hour strike has been called by the Hellenic Train on Thursday, October 10, as announced by the Panhellenic Union of Traction Personnel, in the context, as it says, “of our effort to protect the safety of all those who use the railway network daily”.
“The main demands of our strike,” the workers said in a statement, are:
– Upgrading of safety measures: We demand the immediate and universal operation of telecommand and light signaling throughout the network, in order to avoid another tragic railway accident, such as the one in Tempe, which cost the lives of workers and passengers.
– Completion of infrastructure and subsidy projects: It is urgent to complete ETCS, light signals, and telecommand systems to ensure smooth and safe operation of trains.
– Rail network maintenance: Ongoing maintenance of the railway infrastructure is key to the safe operation of the lines and the reduction of risks.
– Clearing the network of natural obstacles: We call for the immediate clearing of the rail network of tree trunks and other natural obstructions that pose a serious risk to workers and passengers, and the fencing of the rail infrastructure to prevent pedestrians from easily entering it, particularly in urban areas.
– Investment in new rolling stock: Particularly on suburban lines, it is IMMEDIATELY necessary to invest in new trains to ensure quality and safety of travel.
The safety of travel is the responsibility of ALL. We ask for the support of the citizens because without it, the railway cannot exist. Everyone’s cooperation is essential to ensure that the network continues to serve the public without endangering the lives of workers and passengers.
We ask for the support of passengers by informing them that our Union has made available to Hellenic Train, as safety personnel, and engine drivers to run services to serve the needs of the community.
Claim of Hellenic Train against the strike
However, Hellenic Train is reportedly taking the strike to court because “the majority of the union’s demands relate to issues within the competence of the OSE”. According to reports, the case will be heard tomorrow, Wednesday 9/10, with a decision expected late that day.
