Another 48-hour strike at Greek ports from Thursday, including Piraeus tugs

Workers at major Greek ports will halt work for another 48-hour strike by members of the Seamen’s Union, which will affect commercial vessels and ferries calling at Piraeus, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis, Pachi and Megara.

The industrial action will commence at 06:00hrs (local time) on Thursday, February 4, and end at 06:00hrs on Saturday, February 6, according to an advisory from Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS).

The Towage and Salvage Crew Union of Piraeus also intends to strike for 24 hours from 06:00hrs on Thursday until 06:00 on Friday. A further four-hour stoppage is planned for Friday, but the times have yet to be confirmed, ISS said.

During the strike period, vessels will not be able to berth, shift or sail from the affected ports, ISS added.

The Seamen’s Union is protesting planned changes to labour and insurance rights, pensions and retirement ages.

Greece is under pressure from the IMF and the EU to implement tough pension reforms as part of its bailout package.

The government’s proposed plan for pension reform reduces pension benefits substantially, raises the retirement limit, integrates pension funds and eliminates early retirement.