Greek sailors to strike on February 8 and 9

In a 48-hour warning nationwide strike for all categories of ships, on February 8 and 9, the seafarers are proceeding as can be seen from the announcements of four unions, with the main demand being the signing of collective labor agreements with substantial increases.

In particular, in a joint announcement, the shipping unions Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers, Panhellenic Union of Junior Engine Crews, Stephenson”, Panhellenic Professional Union of Merchant Marine Cooks report that there will be a 48-hour Warning Pan-Hellenic strike in all categories of ships, on February 8 and 9.

The announcement adds that the decision was taken on January 20 at the Regular Council of the Panhellenic Maritime Federation (PNO). In the same council it was also decided to start the procedures for the amendment of the federation’s statute.

The Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Sailors (PENEN) also issued an announcement about the strike, from which it appears that the 35 representatives of the four unions unions voted in favor of the strike in the PNO Regular Council, while the remaining 33 abstained.

Also, the report and action planning were voted against, with 35 votes while 33 voted in favor. The 9 representatives of the Stewards union were absent from the Regular Council and informed their decisions with a relevant document. It is the first time in the last 50 years that the report – planning of the PNO Administration has been voted against, PENEN points out.

Finally, it should be noted that the Association of Merchant MArine Stewards and Chief Stewards did not participate in the work of the Regular General Council of the PNO protesting how the PNO handled the payment of debts of daily itineraries of ships on the lines of Crete as well as of other ships operating on other lines.