ETF expresses its solidarity with all Greek seafarers asking for meaningful social dialogue and respect.
Greek seafarers working on board all intra island cabotage, intra community trade and local ferries will strike next 10-11 December 2021 against the counter-offer of the concerned shipowners’ Association to force more flexibility and precarious conditions on them.
Seafarers in Greece and worldwide have been at the forefront of the pandemic. They play a key role in shipping in maintaining the functioning of supply chains and transport of passengers.
ETF’s affiliate, PNO, demands the immediate conclusion of national Collective Bargaining Agreements for 2020 and 2021 which have not been renewed.
PNO also urgently asks the Greek government to restore the protection of seafarers’ rights. Greek maritime authorities have resorted to reduce minimum manning levels increasing the pressure on the crew and the challenge to respect hours of work and hours of rest. Greek seafarers also face difficulties regarding their pension entitlements and health care protection, precisely at a time of crisis where protective social security coverage assumes its full significance and needs to be most implemented.
Seafarers should be treated with dignity. They deserve respect, higher pay and better conditions.
ETF calls on the concerned shipowners’ Association to take its responsibility and engage in meaningful negotiations with PNO.
ETF calls on the Greek government to encourage and support social dialogue, and ensure decent working and living conditions for seafarers.