Greece: Unionized maritime workers plan 48-hour nationwide strike Dec. 10-11

Event

Maritime workers affiliated with the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) plan to hold a 48-hour nationwide strike 00:01 Dec. 11-23:59 Dec. 11 to demand better pay and working conditions. Container terminal services, commercial port services, and ferry services are likely to be heavily disrupted by the industrial action; these services may be entirely suspended in some ports. Additionally, PNO has indicated the strike could be extended for another 48 hours if sufficient progress is not made in negotiations.

Residual ferry and port service disruptions are possible even after the strike ends. Striking workers may stage demonstrations near port facilities as the industrial actions continue; authorities will likely increase security near potential protest venues as a precaution, including near major ports, public squares, union buildings, and government buildings.

Advice

Confirm maritime shipments and port-handling operations scheduled Dec. 10-11. Allow additional time to route freight through Greek ports during and immediately after the strike. Consider alternative shipping methods for critical freight. Avoid all demonstrations as a routine precaution and to mitigate possible disruption.