Tourist bus drivers on strike over pay and conditions

The association of Cretan tourist bus drivers ‘Hermes’ have started their strike this morning. Their action will mean that passengers arriving at Heraklion airport heading for tourist resorts will face delays or will be forced to use alternative means of transport. Tourist bus drivers from other parts of Crete have joined their picket line.

The strike over pay and conditions was declared illegal after tour operators took their case to court, and was criticised as potentially damaging for the tourist industry of the area.

This morning riot police was in place at Heraklion airport. The riot police maintained a low profile to avoid unnecessary confrontation while the two sides went into further talks after the intervention of the airport’s management. The drivers union warned that they will not return to work before their unions assembly votes on suspending their strike.