Train drivers across Greece are staging a 24-hour strike on Thursday in protest at the dismissal of three of their colleagues by Hellenic Train.

The Panhellenic Union of Train Drivers (PEPE) said in a statement that the strike is a response to what it described as “unjust and abrupt” layoffs.

According to the union, Hellenic Train, a subsidiary of the Italian state-owned Ferrovie Dello Stato Group, terminated the contracts of three veteran drivers in August without prior warning.

All three were veteran employees, with more than 40 years of service, who the union said belonged to socially vulnerable groups and were facing health issues.

The strike is expected to disrupt rail services nationwide, including suburban railway routes to the airport. Hellenic Train, with the support of safety staff, will run a limited number of routes.

Metro services, however, are operating as normal.