4.2.13
The nationwide federation of maritime workers PNO is continuing action, announcing a new 48-strike, from 6am Monday to 6am on Wednesday. PNO also alleges that club-wielding thugs boarded the “Faestos Palace” and threatened the crew to work on the Crete – Piraeus line, in order to transfer agricultural products”!
PNO accuses the government for not making an effort to stop the thugs and points out that maritime workers and farmers, despite differences, share common problems since they are harmed by the government’s choices. Union representatives feel there is an organized plan to break up an otherwise successful strike and at the same time to pit employees against each other.
The Minister of Shipping Kostis Mousouroulis met with members of the Business Association of Passenger Shipping (SEEN) for the second time in 24 hours, asking for their help in order to end the strike. Ministry sources suggest that SEEN representatives were satisfied with the Minister’s urging to begin negotiations for new collective labor agreements.
The PNO leadership is demanding that the Ministry intervene for the payment of overdue wages by shipping firms, while condemning the new proposed bill, which they claim will lead to layoffs. PNO has also decided to contact employee representatives from other work sectors.
Mr. Mousouroulis has announced a meeting with union representatives on Monday, underlining the importance of finding a solution for the sake of remote islands that rely on shipping.
