The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PSO) has extended its strike for another 24-hours after rejecting a renewed proposal from the Greek Shipowners Association for Passenger Ships (SEEN) on collective bargaining agreement.
SEEN said on Monday that it has proposed a 2% wage increase for Greek seamen and a new collective bargaining agreement valid until the end of 2019.
The seamen launched a 24-hour strike on Monday , September 3, seeking a 5 percent increase for ferry crews under a collective bargaining agreement.
The union said the hike is long overdue since there were no wage increases for eight years.
Responding to the demand, last week SEEN offered to renew the collective agreement under the same terms, stressing that despite significant cuts in other sectors due to economic troubles of the country, Greek seafarers’ wages remained intact.
The association subsequently offered 1% wage increase, which was turned down by the union, resulting in the suspension of ferry operations on Monday.
World Maritime News Staff