Greece: Ferry strike extended through May 19

Event

The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) announced that an ongoing ferry strike initially set to end at midnight on May 17 would be extended by an additional 48-hours, through Friday, May 19. All ferries across the country will remain docked throughout the duration of the strike.

Associated demonstrations are possible, particularly in Athens and Thessaloniki.

Context

Strikers are protesting against new austerity measures and more specifically on the lack of social security provisions for their jobs and the growing unemployment rate in the sector. The unions are also demanding the return of the working conditions they enjoyed before the country’s financial crisis began seven years ago. The PNO originally launched the strike on May 16, leading to the cancelation of all ferry services across Greece. They had threatened to intensify their protests if demands were 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 use alternate means of transportation and to avoid all protests as a precaution.