Greece Ports Strike Extended

A general strike in Greece has been extended by another 48 hours and is affecting the routes of domestic and local ferries and commercial vessels calling at Piraeus, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis, Pachi and Megara ports for cargo discharging, announced Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS).

The continuation of the strike action by the Seamen’s Union involves another 48-hour stoppage and began at 6 a.m. on January 29 (the first 48-hour strike action commenced at 6 a.m. on January 27).  The Towage and Salvage Crew Union of Piraeus also staged a four-hour stoppage today from 6 to 10 a.m. and will repeat this tomorrow, January 30. During the stoppage period, vessels will not be able to berth, shift or sail from the affected ports.

Tug boats at Thessaloniki port are operating normally and crew are not participating in the strike.

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

ISS Greece said it is continuing to work with its clients to minimize delays and will keep its clients updated.