The mayor of Glyfada, George Papanikolaou, gives a harsh response to the statement issued by the Electric Tram Conductors Association of Attica (SITA) on the occasion of the injury of a minor by a tram in Glyfada on October 21.

The mayor of Glyfada describes as unthinkable the fact that a union takes advantage of the injury of a small child to do petty politics.

In particular, in his written response, G. Papanikolaou states: “Regarding the announcement of the Tram Drivers’ Union about the recent accident in Glyfada: It is unthinkable that a union would take advantage of the injury of a small child to do petty politics. It is unthinkable that the union represents Tram drivers not knowing the basics, such as the responsibility for cleaning the lines. Attention: We are not talking about a simple bureaucratic provision, but about cleaning places where electricity passes and special provisions are obviously required. It is unthinkable for the union instead of coming to an agreement with the Municipality to help with a solution, to make fiery announcements to serve petty political purposes and not the public interest of mass transport that serve the citizens.Especially for the tram, we have a fruitful and constructive cooperation on all issues with the administration of STASY S.A. May logic and prudence prevail and that we all serve the common good and not an ill-conceived guild interest.”

It is noted that the Association of Electric Tram Drivers of Attica in the statement it issued spoke of “methodical obsolescence of the Tram line”, stating at another point that “in the face of the wishes of the Mayor of Glyfada to abolish the Tram line, they do not consider the safety of pedestrians, passengers and workers …”. In addition, he argues that the “dense vegetation of trees along the track, in the TRAM line network, combined with the high height of the bushes, but also their insufficient maintenance – cutting, creates a serious accident risk (especially in this area).”