Greek seamen working aboard passenger and vehicle ferries have launched a new 24-hour strike today, Monday, June 23, following a decision by the Union of Merchant Navy Sailors (PNO). The action has halted ferry services along the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Italy route, as the union escalates industrial action in pursuit of long-standing demands.
The strike began at 6:00 a.m. today and is scheduled to end at the same time tomorrow, Tuesday, June 24. “The deck crew continues its determined strike on Adriatic-bound vessels, demanding solutions to its rightful claims,” PNO’s leadership stated in an official announcement.
This marks the eighth day of rolling strike action by maritime workers, who have pledged to maintain their protest “with determination and without compromise” until their demands are met.
During a strike assembly held on Sunday, PNO members reviewed the progress of their campaign and submitted a revised proposal to the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies, hoping to break the deadlock.
The union emphasized its firm stance in pressing for solutions to its just and well-founded demands, highlighting its commitment through persistent advocacy and action. It attributed full responsibility for the unprecedented disruption on the Adriatic route to the ferry operators, the government, and the Ministry of Shipping.
The sailors’ key demands include:
• Guaranteed two days of shore leave per month
• Wage parity in line with the coastal shipping collective agreement
• Restoration of crew sizes based on Presidential Decree 177/74
• Legal recognition of express ferry routes
• Double pay for work in the ship’s garage
