Multiple sectors are expected to proceed with strikes and work stoppages on May Day, a day when numerous worker mobilizations take place every year. Specifically, metro workers will stage a work stoppage from the start of their shift until 9:00 AM and from 11:00 PM until the end of their shift. Electric railway (ISAP) workers will conduct a 24-hour strike. Bus and trolley workers will also stage a work stoppage from the start of their shift until 09:00 AM and from 9:00 PM until the end of their shift. Additionally, railway network employees will participate in the mobilizations announced by GSEE with a 24-hour strike, meaning no trains will operate on the entire railway network, including suburban rail services.
May Day: What Hellenic Train announced
Hellenic Train informed passengers that on Thursday, April 30, the following evening routes will be replaced by buses as follows:
- 2534 (Athens-Chalcis) departing at 22:28, on the Afidnes – Chalcis section (without stops at Dilesi and Agios Georgios).
- 2539 departing at 00:00, on the Chalcis – Oinoe section.
- 1239 departing at 23:32, on the Airport – Tavros section (stops at Koropi, Kantza, Plakentia, Neratziotes and Athens).
- 2302 departing at 21:14 and 2304 departing at 22:14, on the Magoula – Kiato section (without stop at Zevgolatio).
Ships moored at ports
At the same time, ships will remain moored at the country’s ports on May Day as announced by the Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO). The mobilization will begin at 00:01 on Friday and will last until midnight, leaving ships moored at ports across the country. Maritime workers are demanding the signing of Collective Labor Agreements, upgrading of maritime education and protection of retirees in the sector. Passengers who have planned trips, especially to the islands, are advised to contact companies and agencies to modify their tickets.
Regarding supermarkets, major chains (such as Sklavenitis, AB Vassilopoulos, MyMarket, Masoutis, Galaxias and Lidl) will remain closed on Friday, May 1st. Consumers are advised to plan their shopping in advance during the previous days, as main stores will not serve the public. However, there are some exceptions for last-minute needs:
Franchise Stores: Franchise outlets are expected to operate normally, such as AB Shop & Go and MyMarket Local.
Mini Markets: Neighborhood stores that remain open on Sundays and holidays will also operate on May Day.
Banking holiday on May Day
Also, according to the official announcement of the Hellenic Bank Association, May 1st, 2026 constitutes a banking holiday. Therefore, branches will remain closed and no transactions will be conducted at counters. It’s worth noting that this holiday follows the Easter period, during which banks remained closed for four consecutive days.
What the law provides
Finally, it should be noted that May 1st belongs to optional holidays, but by decision of the respective Minister of Labor it is characterized each year as a day of mandatory holiday, based on article 1 of Law 380/68. Specifically, employment of wage earners and operation of businesses is prohibited, except for those that legally operate on Sundays and holidays such as businesses in the health, tourism, transport sectors, continuous operation factories, etc.
Specifically:
- A) For employees who are paid daily wages and will not work on May 1st are entitled to receive their daily wage without any increase. For employees who are paid daily wages and will work on May 1st will receive their usual daily wage plus a 75% increase calculated on their legal hourly wage for the hours worked.
- B) If they are paid monthly salary, if the business operates on Sundays and holidays they will receive only a 75% increase calculated on their legal hourly wage for the hours worked, while if it’s a business that normally closes and exceptionally operates on May 1st they will receive in addition to the 75% increase (on their legal hourly wage) hourly wages of their monthly salary for the hours worked.
