Greek seafarers have gone on strike / Ferries have been halted, affecting ports

Seafarers in Greece launched a 24-hour strike on Friday, October 30, blocking operations at seven major ports and disrupting ferry services. The protest called for pay increases, better working conditions and additional measures to protect crews in conflict zones.

The strike affected the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Patras, Igoumenitsa and Elefsina, as well as the Rio–Antirrio sea crossing. Ships remained at berth, while passengers faced cancellations and delays on services to the Greek islands.

The PEMEN, “Stephenson” and PENEN unions are calling for 12% pay increases, a reduction of working hours to seven hours a day, a five-day working week, larger crews and the mandatory presence of a doctor on board. They are also calling for certain sea routes to be recognized as war zones.

The action in Greece took place simultaneously with an international mobilization in more than 100 ports, including Piraeus, Marseille, Genoa, Bilbao and Istanbul. Port workers also protested against the use of commercial ports to transport weapons and troops to conflict zones.

The Federation of Permanent Employees in Greek Ports separately announced a three-hour work stoppage, citing automation, the protection of jobs and compliance with collective agreements. Experts do not anticipate global blockages, but warn of logistical delays and local congestion.