The news in Greek

Η Παναλλήνια Ναυτική Ομοσπονδία (ΠΝΟ) ανακοίνωσε παράταση της απεργίας ναυτεργατών για ακόμα 48 ώρες. Αυτή η απεργία αφορά τα πλοία και κρουαζιερόπλοια στην Ελλάδα. Οι ναυτικοί ζητούν καλύτερους μισθούς και συνθήκες εργασίας. Η απεργία προκαλεί προβλήματα σε ταξιδιώτες, ειδικά για την εθνική γιορτή της 28ης Οκτωβρίου.

Translation

The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) has announced a 48-hour extension of the mariners' strike. This strike affects ships and cruise liners in Greece. The seafarers are demanding better pay and working conditions. The strike is causing issues for travellers, particularly with the approaching national holiday on 28th October.

Exercise: Text comprehension

Question 1: Who announced the extension of the seafarers' strike?

The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) announced the extension of the strike.

Question 2: What are the sailors asking for in their strike?

The sailors are asking for better wages and working conditions.

Exercise: Vocabulary

(f.) - federation

(f.) - extension

(f.) - strike

(m.) - sailors

(m.) - wages

(f.) - conditions

Read the full story

▌24/10/2024

The Panhellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO) has announced an extension of their ongoing strike, initially declared for the 22nd and 23rd of October, by an additional 48 hours. This decision keeps passenger ferries and cruise ships moored in ports across Greece until the stroke of midnight on the 25th of October, with indications of further potential escalations.

The seafarers' union attributes the continuation of the strike to several unresolved critical issues affecting Greek sailors. These include calls for a repeal of Law 4150, which regulates the four-month operational period of high-speed vessels, and demands for the signing of a collective bargaining agreement with a 12% wage increase, as opposed to the 3% proposed by shipowners. Beyond wage disputes, the union highlights problems such as unpaid overtime and the insufficient winter staffing levels, which span November to March.

Greek Seafarers Extend Strike Amidst Labour Disputes Greek Seafarers Extend Strike Amidst Labour Disputes (Illustration)

The PNO has criticized the Greek Ministry of Maritime Affairs for what it perceives as a lack of response to these pressing concerns, accusing the ministry of favouring shipowners at the expense of maritime workers' rights. The union is also seeking an immediate meeting with the Minister of Maritime Affairs, Christos Stylianides, to discuss an array of grievances including changes to unemployment benefit conditions, which currently result in minimal support for only a select few eligible seafarers.

Moreover, union representatives have pointed out that, despite recent inspections aimed at rectifying violations related to crew work limits, several maritime companies still owe employees for overtime work, particularly in roles such as stewards, chefs, and financial officers. These issues are exacerbated by the fact that the majority of Greek seafarers work only 6 to 7 months a year, yet wages are distributed over 12 months, which impacts earning predictability and financial stability.

As the strike continues, travellers planning trips for the impending 28th October national holiday weekend face significant disruptions, with many having to alter or cancel their plans due to the strike's timing. The PNO is organizing a protest rally on Friday, the 25th of October, at 10 am, near the ship El. Venizelos, to further emphasize their cause.

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