Patras Port, Greece.
Greek vessels operating the Patra–Igoumenitsa–Italy ferry routes will remain docked during a 24-hour strike called by the Panhellenic Union of Deckhands of the Merchant Marine (PENEN).
The strike began on Wednesday, June 18 at 6am and is set to end on Thursday, June 19 at 6am.
Despite the disruption, German- and Italian-flagged vessels continue to operate as scheduled, alongside Ro-Ro ships transporting vehicles, machinery, and other rolling cargo.
PENEN extended the strike, which originally started on June 16, in response to unresolved demands with the Greek Shipowners Association for Passenger Ships (SEEN). The union cited SEEN’s refusal to engage in negotiations as the reason for continuing the action.
Photo source: PENEN
The union’s key demands include shore leave rights, wage parity in line with the Collective Labor Agreement for coastal shipping crews, compliance with crew composition regulations stipulated by Presidential Decree 177/74, a doubling of wages for garage personnel, and the introduction of express ferry routes.
The Greek Maritime Ministry stated it has ratified an agreement between social partners by approving a new collective agreement for seafarers on Adriatic routes.
However, the ministry noted that, as the strike has been declared illegal by Greek courts, it will not intervene, framing the issue as a labor dispute between employees and employers.
Travelers with bookings during the strike period are advised to consult their travel agents or contact local port authorities for updated information.
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