Greece: Ferries to be suspended for 48-hour strike May 16-17

Event

The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) will hold a 48-hour strike from Tuesday, May 16, to Wednesday, May 17. The strike is slated to start at 00:01 (local time) on May 16 and end at midnight on May 17; ferries across the country will remain docked on both days.

Associated demonstrations are possible, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Context

Strikers are protesting against the lack of social security provisions for their jobs and the growing unemployment rate in the sector. The protesters are also demanding the return of the working conditions they enjoyed before the country’s financial crisis began seven years ago. They have threatened to intensify their protests if their demands are not met.

Strikes and protests are common in Greece, where social tensions have been fueled by deep austerity measures implemented by national authorities and required by the country’s creditors (the European Commission, European Central Bank, and International Monetary Fund) in order to tackle the country's enormous public debt.

Advice

Individuals in Greece are advised to contact their maritime transport company for more information and to avoid all protests as a precaution.