The Seamen’s Union in Greece has decided to extend their 48-hr strike for an additional two days from 06:00 local time Wednesday to 06:00 local time on Friday, November 6th.
The strike is affecting local ferries, pilot services and towage services resulting in vessels being unable to berth or depart from any Greek port, Inchape Shipping Services (ISS) informed.
The union launched a two-day warning strike on Monday to voice their opposition to growing austerity measures, pension cuts, unemployment and privatization of the country’s ports, following a call issued on Thursday by Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation .
The strike in the Greek port of Piraeus is also affecting bunker fuel deliveries, according to Platts, as barge loadings from refineries are suspended for the third consecutive day.
“Although bunker deliveries were largely unaffected Monday and Tuesday as suppliers had already loaded products on barges over the weekend, concerns grew whether deliveries would be workable for the next two days as volumes depleted,” Platts said.
The seafarers’ move comes amid a general protest that saw around 50,000 protesters hit the streets of Athens on Monday as they oppose the austerity measures proposed within the country’s bailout plan.
The seafarers’ union also revealed their intentions to join the general strike scheduled for November 12th.
Responding to the strike’s impact on local ports and the ongoing migrant crisis, Greek Shipping Minister Thodoris Dritsas said earlier this week that the strike of the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation and other associations of workers “is a legitimate strike.”
The proposed austerity measures are having a ripple effect across the country as workers from various branches are dissatisfied with the plan.
World Maritime News Staff