Greek Seafarers’ Strike Enters Eighth Day

The news in Greek

1. ένωση  (f.)
   η δράση ή το αποτέλεσμα του συνδυασμού δύο ή περισσοτέρων πραγμάτων ↩︎
2. εμπορικός
   σχετικός με το εμπόριο ↩︎
3. απεργία  (f.)
   η διακοπή της εργασίας από εργαζόμενους ως διαμαρτυρία ↩︎
4. εξέλιξη  (f.)
   η διαδικασία της αλλαγής ή της ανάπτυξης ↩︎
5. απαγόρευση  (f.)
   η πράξη του απαγορεύειν κάτι ↩︎
6. υποστήριξη  (f.)
   η πράξη της υποστήριξης ή της βοήθειας ↩︎

Translation

Text comprehension

Question 1: Which organization announced a new 24-hour strike on June 23?

Question 2: What is the goal of the seafarers with their strike?

Vocabulary

Greek	English
ένωση  (f.)	union
εμπορικός	commercial
απεργία  (f.)	strike
εξέλιξη  (f.)	development
απαγόρευση  (f.)	prohibition
υποστήριξη  (f.)	support

Read the full story

The Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Seamen (PENEN) has escalated its strike action, announcing a new 24-hour strike affecting passenger and vehicle ferries on the Patras–Igoumenitsa–Italy route. This intensifies the ongoing industrial action that has now entered its eighth day, as workers continue to demand solutions to their grievances.

The strike commenced at 06:00 a.m. on Monday, June 23, and is scheduled to conclude at the same time on Tuesday, June 24. Despite previous court rulings deeming the strike illegal, including seven consecutive decisions, the seafarers remain resolute in their movement, supported by various social groups and labor unions.

PENEN criticises the unyielding stance of the ferry operators, the government, and the Ministry of Shipping, accusing them of failing to meet the fair demands of the seafarers. In their statement, they firmly declare, “You will not break us! We will not give in!” asserting a determination to continue until their goals are achieved.

The union has ensured that safety oversight is maintained during the strike by officially notifying the shipping companies and ship captains of the presence and details of the security staff involved. This effort aims to prevent any disruption to safety standards during the industrial action.

During an assembly held on Sunday, union members reaffirmed their commitment to the cause, choosing to extend the strike after reviewing its progress. They proposed amendments to the negotiations with the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN), seeking a resolution to their demands without legal opposition this time.

The measures previously taken by authorities, including banning PENEN’s president from the port of Patras and the striking vessels, have been revoked following strong reactions. The union maintains that accountability for the disruption caused to Adriatic routes lies with the ferry companies, the government, and the Ministry of Shipping. Strong in their cause, the seafarers continue to demand urgent resolutions to their “just and mature” demands.

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