Greek Seafarers to Strike Over Pay and Safety Concerns
Three Greek seafarers’ unions will hold a 24-hour strike on October 30, calling for higher wages and better protection for crews working in dangerous waters. The action is expected to stop ship movements at seven Greek ports and may affect ferry schedules. The Maritime Telegraph reported.
The strike will affect Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Patras, Igoumenitsa, Elefsina and Rio–Antirrio. The unions want a 12% pay rise, better crew levels and stronger health and safety rules. They are also calling for dangerous sea areas to be officially declared war zones.
Other demands include a seven-hour working day, a five-day week and a legal requirement for ships to carry a doctor.
The strike is part of an international day of action involving workers at more than 100 ports. The campaign opposes arms shipments to Israel through ports and the use of port facilities for military purposes. Greek port workers have also announced a separate three-hour stoppage, while the Piraeus Labour Centre has called a 24-hour strike and a rally in Piraeus.
