Ships across the country will be idle tomorrow, Friday 1 May, due to the 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO), in honour of Labour Day.
The strike mobilization starts at 00:01 on May 1 and ends on May 24:00 on the same day, affecting all categories of ships, from coastal to short sea shipping, with direct consequences for the maritime transport of passengers and goods.
The strengthening of collective bargaining, the signing and renewal of Collective Labour Agreements and the safeguarding and extension of trade union rights are at the heart of PNO’s demands.
At the same time, the Federation sets the protection of human life at sea and dignity at work as a key priority in an environment that is changing due to technological developments in shipping.
Special emphasis is also placed on maintaining the public and free character of maritime education, with PNO having submitted specific proposals for its adaptation to the modern requirements of the industry. At the same time, it sets as an urgent need to upgrade health and education services, but also to restore the losses suffered by seafarers.
In his message for Labour Day, the General Secretary of PNO, Manolis Tsikalakis, underlines the timeless importance of the struggles of the labour movement, with reference to Chicago in 1886 and the demand for the eight-hour day.
As he points out, “workers united can win important rights,” while raising concerns about the course and credibility of the trade union movement today, calling for self-criticism and regroupment.
Other seafarers’ and port organisations are also participating in the strike, reinforcing the scope of the mobilisations.
The board of directors of the Panhellenic Association of Towing and Lifeboat Crews (PEPPN) has unanimously decided to participate in the strike, bringing to the fore issues of safety, professional rights and delays in institutional regulations concerning tugboat crews.
At the same time, port workers are joining the strike front through the Federation of Port Employees of Greece (OMYLE), who are demanding wage increases through free collective bargaining, measures to address the price of goods and housing pressure, as well as strengthening health and safety in the workplace.
The dockworkers also raise demands for a fair tax system, equal access to public health and welfare services, environmental protection and measures to adapt to the climate crisis, highlighting the link between labour demands and wider social issues.
Metro, Electric, Tram, Tram, Train, Suburban – Bus and Trolleybus work stoppages
Workers on public transport, trains and suburban railways are taking part in 24-hour strikes and work stoppages in the strike actions for Labour Day.
In detail, tomorrow Friday 1 May:
Fixed-track vehicles will be grounded all day. Metro, HSTP and Tram workers have decided on a 24-hour strike from the start of traffic on Friday morning until the end of traffic.
The entire railway network of the country including suburban lines will also be at a standstill.
Buses and trolleybuses will run between 9:00-21:00. Workers are participating in the strike action with work stoppages from the start of traffic until 9:00 am and from 21:00 until the end of traffic (00:00). Buses are expected to operate normally on the suburban lines operated by the Attica Transport Consortium.
The transport workers are demanding:
-reopening of the railway network throughout Greece and full restoration of the infrastructure – facilities affected by the natural disasters, ensuring the safety of workers and passengers with modern, functional and constantly monitored systems as well as continuous training of staff and finally
-permanent recruitment of staff to meet fixed and ongoing needs.
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