TAXI drivers in the Greek capital began a 48-hour strike today, with the second day timed to coincide with tomorrow’s nationwide strike by public and some private-sector workers.

More than 200 taxis drove through the centre of Athens as part of a demonstration on the first day of the walkout, called by the capital’s main taxi union over a series of demands, including a reduction in taxes, access to bus lanes and stricter regulation on ride-sharing apps.

Taxi driver Georgios Voilis complained that new taxes imposed on the self-employed in Greece have hammered the taxi industry.

He described the tax burden as “a financial debasement and a tombstone” for taxis.

The second day of the taxi strike coincides with a nationwide strike called by Greece’s main public-sector umbrella union to mark the first anniversary of the country’s deadliest rail disaster. 

Nearly 60 people were killed and dozens injured just before midnight on February 28 2023 when a passenger train collided head-on with a freight train after the two had mistakenly been put on the same track heading in opposite directions.

The Confederation of Greek Civil Servants Trade Unions (Adedy) said in a statement: “One year [has passed] and those responsible for the tragedy have still not answered for their criminal actions that led 57 of our compatriots to their deaths.” 

Adedy is also calling for a 10 per cent increase in public-sector salaries to tackle the rising cost of living and inflation.

Tomorrow’s strike is expected to disrupt all public transport in the Greek capital and leave ferries to and from the islands tied up in ports.

The country’s air traffic controllers’ union has also announced its participation, which is expected to lead to the grounding of numerous flights.

Medical staff in public hospitals, school teachers and bank staff are all expected to join the strike.