Greek Port Strikes Get Prolonged

A new 24 hour general strike has been announced in Greece on 4 February by both public and private sector unions, while the Seamen’s Union is scheduling another 48 hour strike on the same date, according to Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS).

The action is expected to affect the routes of domestic and local ferries and commercial vessels calling at Piraeus, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis, Pachi and Megara ports for cargo discharging.

The strike action by the Seamen’s Union involves a new 48 hour stoppage and is scheduled to begin at 06.00 on 4 February and end at 06.00 on 6 February. The Towage and Salvage Crew Union of Piraeus has also confirmed its participation in the strike from 06:00 on 4 February until 06:00 on 5 February, and is planning a further 4 hour stoppage on 5 February, ISS said.

During all the stoppage periods, vessels will not be able to berth, shift or sail from the affected ports.

Hellenic Crew Union and the Towage and Salvage Crew Union of Piraeus launched the strike action on 27 January, starting with a two-day protest, which has now turned into a week-long industrial action.

The action has been called by the unions in response to the Greek government’s planned changes to labour and insurance rights, pensions and retirement ages.