Greece: Unionized maritime workers plan 24-hour nationwide strike Sept. 13

Event

Maritime workers affiliated with the Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) plan to hold a 24-hour nationwide strike Sept. 13. The action follows the death of a passenger who was attempting to board the Blue Horizon ferry in Piraeus harbour on Sept. 5. An official investigation is ongoing, although the captain and three crew members have been charged with offences. The PNO labor union has called the strike to demand that the investigation is thorough and fair. Maritime workers are likely to stage a peaceful protest at the port of Piraeus, although this is not confirmed. Other demonstrations are possible as the industrial action continues.

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. Residual ferry and port service disruptions are possible even after the strike ends. 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 for Sept. 13. 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.