Greek Strikes Causing Travel Tumult
Air-traffic controllers returned to work last week after the Greek court blocked union plans for a rolling strike, but travelers quickly found it wasn’t business as usual. With airport personnel being extra careful to allow only a certain number of flights per hour, travelers faced significant delays and cancellations.
Unions say flights are being limited due to safety concerns, but there’s no denying the focus on safety also makes it easier to justify demands for additional staff and overtime pay.
Travelers to Greece should also prepare for the nation-wide truck-driver strike, which has impacted the delivery of gasoline to nearly everyone, including thousands who’ve been stranded when their rental cars ran out of fuel. It’s gotten so bad that drivers are being advised to gas up in Macedonia, if they’re in the area.
With ground transportation difficult, to say the least, the Greek military stepped in July 30 to deliver gasoline to airports, electricity plants and hospitals.
That could make things a bit better, but business conditions are going to be less than ideal for quite a while. Travelers should pack their walking shoes and keep an eye on airport delays.