Taxi drivers in Athens stage a two-day work stoppage - Taxi drivers stage a two-day protest in Athens, causing disruption in transportation services citywide.
Athens Taxi Drivers Stage 48-Hour Strike
More than 14,000 taxi drivers in Athens have launched a 48-hour strike from 6:00 AM on May 28 to 6:00 AM on May 30, 2025, in response to policies affecting the taxi industry. This strike has resulted in a complete shutdown of licensed taxi services in Athens, causing considerable disruption to ground transportation.
The strike is primarily aimed at the policies of the Ministry of Finance and Athens Airport, which have been criticized for fostering a competitive environment unfavorable to traditional taxis. One of the main points of contention is the presence of ride-hailing services like Uber, which taxi drivers argue are eroding their customer base and income.
Uber vehicles have been granted pick-up spots in the arrivals area at the airport, leading to long wait times for traditional taxis. Meanwhile, Uber drivers can accept rides on demand through their app, creating an additional source of frustration for taxi drivers.
Another grievance stems from the Ministry of Finance's fixation of trip fares between the city center and the airport. While the day-time fare is set at 40 euros for a roughly 38-kilometer trip, and 55 euros at night, the unions claim this doesn't cover their operational costs given the high traffic volume and varying distances.
The strike is expected to cause numerous inconveniences for tourists, many of whom are already in Athens, with an estimated 10,000 German tourists in the city during the strike. These visitors will have to navigate transportation using the public metro and bus systems, as taxi services are unavailable. Keep in mind that the demand for these public transportation options is likely to be high during the strike period, potentially resulting in delays.
Cruise passengers embarking or disembarking in Athens during the strike may also face challenges reaching their ports and hotels, while pre-booked taxi or private transfer services might be cancelled, forcing travelers to seek alternative transport solutions.
The 48-hour strike has highlighted the continuing conflicts between traditional taxi services and newer app-based competitors in the urban transport market of Greece. Despite the strike, Uber services continued to operate throughout, albeit with surge pricing that made it harder for passengers to find rides.
[Sources: 1, 2, 5]
- The community and employment policies of the Ministry of Finance and Athens Airport are under scrutiny by taxi drivers in Athens, as they are perceived to be fostering an unfavorable competitive environment, specifically against traditional taxis.
- The travel lifestyle of tourists visiting Athens during the 48-hour taxi strike could be significantly impacted, as they may need to rely on public transportation like the metro and bus systems due to the shutdown of licensed taxi services.
