Greek Ferries Remain in Ports as Seamen Strike

Greek ferry workers are staging a two-day warning strike that started on Monday to voice their opposition to growing austerity measures, pension cuts, unemployment and privatization of the country’s ports, following a call issued on Thursday by Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation. 

The strike continues today as well, as seamen left their ferries anchored in the country’s ports leaving the nation’s islands cut off from the mainland, local media report.

The seafarers’ move comes amid a general protest that saw the protesters clash with the police on the streets of Athens on Monday.

It is estimated that around 50,000 people joined the strike organized by unions to oppose the austerity measures proposed within the country’s bailout plan, Reuters informed.

The seafarers’ union also revealed their intentions to join the general strike scheduled for November 12th.

Responding to the strike’s impact on local ports and the ongoing migrant crisis, Greek Shipping Minister Thodoris Dritsas said that the 48-hour strike of the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation and other associations of workers “is a legitimate strike.”

The proposed austerity measures are having a ripple effect across the country as workers from various branches are dissatisfied with the plan.

Among these are also rail transport workers, who are to suspend their operations later today as they protest against the merger of their services with the Athens Metro and street car under one operator.

The protest of ferry workers comes just a week after the Crew Union of Towage Companies in Greece held a towage strike on 22nd to 23rd of October.

The Crew Union of Towage Companies said that the action was being pursued as a sign of protest against the planned privatization of Piraeus and Thessaloniki ports.

World Maritime News Staff