Greek sailor union to blocking Piraeus tour ships 2010

June 4, 2010

Greek sailor union to press forward with blocking Piraeus tour ships

Although heavily criticized for essentially kicking the Greek economy when its down, the PNO (Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation) is planning a new campaign to block cruise ships from unloading tourists on June 7. Previous efforts had resulted with some tour companies threatening to drop mainland Piraeus from their Mediterranean schedules. The sailors are protesting the Greek government allowing non-Greek flagged ships to carry tours in the Aegean, previously a right guaranteed to the PNO.

Brief story at Kathimerini:

‘...The PNO administration examined developments regarding the Malta-flagged cruise ship Zenith, and decided to proceed with worker action against the vessel on Monday, June 7, 2010 during its arrival at the port of Piraeus. This union activity is the continuation of previous action by the federation in order to protect the fundamental rights of Greek naval workers, with securing their jobs being first and foremost.’

Kathimerini attacks the PNO in an online editorial:

"Tourism is Greece’s strongest industry; many people rely on it for a living and the state relies on it for public revenue. Neither society nor the state can allow a small group of blackmailers to threaten strikes and, even more damaging, port blockades. These actions cause Greece to lose money and also drag the country’s international reputation through the mud."

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