The Cyprus Ports Authority (CPA) pilots are planning to launch another round of strikes over a disciplinary investigation being held against the SYALK union chief Demetris Patsalos, the Cyprus Mail reported.
If the 24-hour strike, which is scheduled to be held on Monday, goes ahead, it would be the port workers’ third attempt to terminate the disciplinary process.
The investigation was launched into Patsalos’ alleged defaming of the CPA through his correspondence, statements, and articles concerning the call for tender on the pilot and towage services in the port of Vassiliko.
In a letter sent to CPA, the pilots noted that Patsalos was acting as the chairman of the union as he was “reporting actions that hurt the authority, and also negatively affected the pilot service,” Cyprus Mail cited the letter.
The pilots further said that, if the committee finds the chairman of the union guilty, they would be forced to escalate their measures across all sectors.
The workers added that Patsalos’ statements did not defame the CPA nor did they cause problems to any of the companies concerned.
CPA employees previously held a two-hour strike on May 27 when Patsalos appeared before the committee.
World Maritime News Staff