Panhellenic Seamen΄s Federation announces new 48-hour strike

The Panhellenic Seamen΄s Federation's administration met on Wednesday 23/10, with the sole agenda item being the assessment of the ongoing strike by the Federation which had been announced for 22 and 23 October, and to make a decision.

 

After acknowledging the mass participation in the strike and taking into account, as stated in the press release they issued, "the provocative and uncompromising stance of the employers regarding the renewal and signing of the Collective Labour Agreement for 2025—not only concerning the percentage of the wage increase but also regarding a number of very serious issues such as: unpaid overtime, express routes and crew overnight stays, along with several sector-specific problems, the lack of a positive response from the Ministry to find an immediate solution to the unacceptable conditions imposed on us by Law 4150/2013, the abolition of the four-month service period for passenger/vehicle high-speed vessels, imposing a seven-month service period, strict enforcement of the 10-hour work limit for crews on high-speed vessels, as well as the humiliating conditions for seafarers' unemployment benefits, which are effectively prohibitive, and those who are entitled to them receiving a meager €350 per month, they decided to continue the 48-hour strike with a new nationwide 48-hour strike on Thursday, October 24, and Friday, October 25, (with the possibility of escalation), from 00:00 on October 24 to 23:59 on October 25, affecting passenger ferry ships and Mediterranean tourist ships (international passenger/vehicle ferries and cruise ships).

 

The administration also decided to request an immediate meeting with the Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, to further strengthen strike committees at all ports, and to hold a gathering on Friday, October 25, at 10:00 am in front of the ship ELYROS at Agios Dionysios.

 

 

VASSILIS PANTAZOPOULOS