Ferry Strike in Greece to Continue on Tuesday, Sept. 4

Ferries in Greece will continue to remain docked on Tuesday, September 4, as the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has announced a new 24-hour strike that will end on Wednesday morning (6am).

Ferry services throughout Greece have been suspended since Monday morning following industrial action taken by PNO due to a dispute with the Greek Shipowners Association for Passenger Ships (SEEN) over wages.

PNO has requested a new collective agreement that will include a five percent increase in wages. “For eight consecutive years, the seamen have not received not even a one-euro increase, despite the difficulties of the profession,” PNO said in an announcement.

SEEN initially suggested a one percent increase in wages as of this month and another one percent raise as of June 1, 2019, but PNO rejected the proposal. On Monday, SEEN submitted an improved proposal for a two percent increase in the wages of Greek seamen effective immediately. However, PNO rejected the new proposal and announced that it would continue its strike in demand of a five percent raise. The federation will meet tomorrow to decide if the strike action will continue.

According to SEEN, the wages of Greek seamen have not been reduced all these years as opposed to professions in other sectors.

Travelers that have booked ferry tickets are advised to check with their travel agents or contact local port authorities for further information.