Greek passenger ships on the Greece-Italy route remain immobilized for the third consecutive day in the port of Patras due to the ongoing strike by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Union (PENEN).
According to the Passenger Shipping Business Association, despite Greek court rulings that both the PENE and the Patras Workers’ Center strikes are illegal, the sailors remain unmoved, escalating their struggle.
The Passenger Shipping Business Association (ΣΕΕΝ) expresses its regret for the disruption caused, referring to the “hostage-taking” of hundreds of passengers and an affront to institutional stability.
It also points out that PENE, in a manner that is completely dismissive of Greek justice and society, is declaring to all sides that it does not care about the decisions of the courts, holding passengers on the Greece-Italy route hostage, while emphasizing that the competent authorities have been informed of the matter so that the procedures provided for by law can be followed.
The SEEN also notes that the PNO, of which PENEN is a member, has already agreed to a two-year collective agreement from January 1, 2020, to January 31, 2025, with a 5% pay increase for 2025, in addition to the 11% increase given in the previous two years.2025, with a 5% pay rise for 2025, in addition to the 11% given in the previous two years.
Nevertheless, according to the SEEN, the PENE continues with “arbitrary and antisocial actions” that are damaging the functioning of the economy and the competitiveness of Greek tourism.
For its part, PENEN, at an emergency meeting on ships in Patras, the members of the Union unanimously decided to extend the strike until June 18 at 6:00 a.m., citing refusal and intransigence on the part of SEEN towards the industry’s demands.
