Travel plans between Greece and Italy are set to face disruption for a tenth day in a row, as the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Sailors (PENEN) has announced a fresh 24-hour strike affecting ferry services on the popular Patras–Igoumenitsa–Italy route.
The decision follows a lengthy late-night meeting on Tuesday between union leaders and executives from ATTICA GROUP — one of Greece’s major ferry operators — aboard the vessel Superfast III, docked in the port of Patras.
Ongoing Negotiations Mark Slow Progress
According to PENEN, this latest strike action is being taken despite what it described as a “constructive and optimistic atmosphere” during the talks. The meeting included all striking crew members and was led by PENEN’s president. ATTICA GROUP was represented by senior executives along with the head of the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN), Dionysis Theodoratos.
For the first time, the company presented a comprehensive response to the union’s demands, which include long-standing concerns over working conditions, pay, and crew rights. A new clause was reportedly added during the discussions, but the union has yet to publicly comment on the substance of the company’s proposal.
An emergency general assembly of PENEN members has been convened for today to discuss the proposal and determine next steps. However, ahead of that meeting, the union’s board has already moved forward with the announcement of a new 24-hour strike affecting ferries on the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Italy route.
Ferry Services to Be Affected
The strike is expected to halt both passenger and vehicle ferry services between Greece and Italy — a vital connection especially during the busy summer travel period. The affected routes serve thousands of passengers and facilitate commercial transport between the two countries.
To minimize safety risks, PENEN has submitted a list of designated crew members who will remain onboard vessels to ensure basic supervision and emergency readiness during the strike.
