Brits are bracing for travel disruption to Greece as air traffic controllers plan to join a nationwide strike. The industrial action, scheduled for February 28, is in pursuit of justice for the 57 victims of the Tempe train crash that occurred two years ago.
During the strike, staff will only manage essential flights such as medical evacuations, search and rescue operations, humanitarian aid deliveries, military aircraft, among others. Commercial passenger flights are expected to face significant disruption, if not complete cancellation, according to the Independent.
The strike action stems from a tragic head-on collision between a freight train and a passenger train on February 28, 2023, which revealed serious safety equipment deficiencies. Following the incident, Greece’s transport minister stepped down, but the official response to the disaster has been under scrutiny ever since.
Public outrage has been expressed over delays in the inquiry, with the government having to vehemently deny allegations of a cover-up. Claims have been made that the freight train was transporting hazardous chemicals that ignited, causing a deadly fire. Many of the victims were university students returning to classes after a public holiday, reports the Express.
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Last month saw large-scale protests, encouraged by the victims’ relatives. Industrial action halted trains and ferries in protest, with the strike timed to coincide with the anniversary of the crash. Public transport services in Athens have also been impacted, with unions calling for the removal of wage controls imposed between 2010 and 2018.
Moreover, farmers and university students have recently participated in anti-government demonstrations. Despite the recent strikes, flights remained unaffected after a court ruled that previous protest plans by air traffic controllers were unlawful.