Thirteen seafarers' unions are proceeding with a 48-hour nationwide strike, resulting in most coastal shipping vessels remaining docked at ports across the country.
The strike will begin at midnight on Monday, February 22, and will end at midnight on Wednesday, February 24.
Seafarers are calling for the repeal of regulations which, they say, undermine the institution of collective bargaining agreements as well as working hours and rest periods.
In a joint statement, they say:
«The government and shipowners are escalating their attack on our rights, are attempting to abolish collective bargaining agreements across all categories of ships, having already passed legislation in Parliament regarding coastal shipping. A more recent provision reduces the fines for violations of our labor rights related to working hours and rest periods.».
In their statement, the unions are calling for the repeal of Laws 4714/2020, 4150/2013, and 4770/2021, Restoration of all pension entitlements; autonomy for NAT, the Seamen’s Fund, and the other funds. In addition, the signing of Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) for 2020–2021 for all categories of ships, social security for all seafarers, and the adoption of all necessary measures for the immediate payment of the COVID-19 and unemployment benefits to all seafarers.
They are calling for universal health care, public education, infrastructure upgrades, staff hiring, and improvements to the material and technical resources and the curriculum.
The announcement is signed by: the Panhellenic Union of Ship Captains, the Panhellenic Union of Engineers, the Panhellenic Union of Seamen, the Panhellenic Union of Chief Stewards and Stewards, the Panhellenic Union of Junior Engine Room Crew Members «O Stefenson,» the Panhellenic Professional Union of Cooks, the Panhellenic Union of Electricians and Electronics Technicians, the Panhellenic Association of Financial Officers, the Panhellenic Union of MEK EN Engineers, the Panhellenic Union of Caregivers, the Panhellenic Union of Food Service Personnel, the Panhellenic Union of Seafarers (M/S-P/K-O/G), and the Panhellenic Union of Practicing Captains and Masters.
