The port of Rafina has remained without ferry services since Friday morning, as a 24-hour strike by seafarers’ unions is under way. The strike began at 6:00 a.m. and is expected to end at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday.
PENEN, PEMEN and the lower engine crew union “O STEFENSON” are taking part in the mobilization, with their main demands being stronger safety measures at the port, improved port infrastructure and an increase in the required crew numbers on ships, so that, as they say, collective labor agreements and the crews’ prescribed rest hours are observed.
Services are being cancelled, including Fast Ferries routes to Andros, Tinos and Mykonos, while Seajets services are being moved to Lavrio.
The unions say the congestion of ferry departures at Rafina creates serious safety issues for passengers, seafarers and vessels, while they make specific reference to the anchorage, which they describe as unsafe and unrecognized. They are also calling for an auxiliary tugboat to be stationed at the port immediately, to ensure safer vessel movements.
The strike is taking place despite having been ruled illegal and abusive on Thursday night, following legal action by the Association of High-Speed Vessel Owners. For their part, the seafarers say the relevant court decision has not yet been served to them.
Due to the strike, ferry services from Rafina to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, Paros and Naxos are being cancelled, including Fast Ferries routes. By contrast, scheduled Seajets services are being transferred on an emergency basis to the port of Lavrio.
Source: Efimerida ton Syntakton [1], [2]
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