We have rearranged our transportation from ferry to plane(not cheap). I also know that the last 24 hour Ferry strike turned into 48 hours in April of this year that is why we changed our transportation methods. Now I just thought of the possibility of this strike affecting controllers and grounding planes. Any insight on this? Any help would be appreciated, thanks.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
You can check out the latest on strikes here:
http://www.livinlovin.gr/strikes-work-stoppages-in-greece-updated/
Posted by
USA
227 posts
A better website to check is www.newsnow.com under the world news tab at the top. Just stated today that In addition to the government worker strike on May 30, the seamen are also participating so no ferries that day. Just updated to include the General Confederation of Greek Workers which includes 83 labor unions. Has anyone heard if this includes air traffic controllers? We just changed out plans to take ferry and booked flight on Aegean. Fingers crossed!
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
Just checked out the "other" website recommended and had a hard time trying to find news on the strike. I had to use the "search box" to find any news on strikes in Greece. The Living in Greece Website is devoted only to news in Greece including strikes . . . not world-wide news.
Posted by
Philadelphia, PA, USA
3397 posts
No word yet re Air .... but a few years back, when there were strikes every month or so because of the economic chaos, the air traffic controllers were NOT affected. I think it's because so many airlines outside of Greece would be affected, it might be a severe safety issue. Just adding some perspective
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
Isn't it illegal for air traffic controllers to strike? Every time they say they are going to strike the Greek Courts rule it's illegal.
Posted by
OP
USA
19 posts
This is kind of crazy, not sure what they are actually accomplishing by striking. We had to hustle to make new arrangements and it wasn't exactly in the budget(frigging annoying). As far as the Air Traffic Controllers go they possibly don't strike, but I did read somewhere that they walked out for a few hours grounding flights and creating some issues for airlines and travelers. The walk out seemed to be in conjunction with other strikes in Greece including the PNO(The Seamens Union?). This is bringing back memories of me dealing with the Greek Consulate here in the States and the unbelievable amount of red tape, and quite frankly pure incompetence/indifference that I have ever experienced working with a Government entity. I swear that experience took a few years off of my life. I kind of know how it rolls there. You would think they would be reasonable enough not to mess with tourism since it essentially pays the bills right now. There are other options in the Mediterranean as well. Now that I have that off of my chest I still plan to have a great time.
Posted by
NH (USA)
1222 posts
Even with all the issues with strikes Greece is one of the most beautiful countries to travel to . . . the history, the world-class archeological sites/museums, beaches, mountains, villages, food/alcohol, and welcoming locals.
I've been going to Greece every October since 2010 and fortunately haven't had major disruptions due to strikes . . . lucky or maybe lots of research(?) but every time I/we go it's a wonderful experience and once I get back home start researching our next trip.
Travel overseas to any country can be stressful . . . things may be different than back home but not really . . . do as much research as possible, ask questions, and hope when you arrive there is not a strike that shuts down transportation . . . not just in Greece but in any other country.