Two years after the tragic accident in Tempi, the employees of the Local Authorities and many citizens are preparing for a dynamic mobilization, demanding justice and accountability.
Η Panhellenic Federation of Employees of O.T.A. (P.O.E.-O.T.A.) calls on 24-hour general strike on Friday 28 February 2025, with the main demand that there be no cover-up of the crime that has shaken the country. The central strike rally will take place at 11:00 am at Syntagma Square, while local authority workers will gather earlier, at 10:00 a.m. at Kolokotronis Square (13 Stadiou Square, Athens).
«No to cover-up - Those responsible must be held accountable»
The P.O.E.-O.T.A. complains that two years later, the competent authorities are attempting to «bury» the case, without attributing the responsibilities to political and administrative officials. They stress that the tragedy in Tempe was not an accident, but the result of criminal omissions and a policy that put profit before the safety of citizens.
«The souls of the 57 dead demand justice. The government and the judiciary are trying to mislead, obfuscate and conceal the real responsibilities. We will not allow it,» the Federation's statement said.
Rail privatisation in the crosshairs
The workers of the local authorities and other unions participating in the strike are targeting the privatisation policy, stressing that the accident in Tempe was the result of the downgrading of safety and the management of critical infrastructure by private individuals. «The privatisation of the railways has shown that it does not serve the public interest, but only specific economic interests,» they note.
«Shut down» municipalities and services
Due to the strike, many municipal institutions and services are expected to remain closed, while the participation of workers in municipalities, schools, hospitals and other public organizations is expected to be high. At the same time, protest marches will be held in many cities across the country.
«We have no oxygen» - Mass participation in the strike
The demonstrators demand justice and call on all citizens to participate in the general strike, sending the message that the tragedy of Tempe cannot be forgotten.
«We say NO to the cover-up of the crime of Tempi - Justice now!», is the main slogan of the mobilisation, which is expected to gather thousands of demonstrators at the Syntagma.
