They are reacting to the government’s new labor bill, which –as they denounce– “legalizes the 13-hour workday and dismantles collective agreements.”
The strike mobilization, which started at 00:01 in the early hours and will be completed at 23:59 in the evening, is expected to cause cancellations of routes from the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, and Lavrio.
The Administrative Council of PEMEN argues that with “the 13-hour workday, the ND government essentially abolishes free collective bargaining and the mandatory nature of collective agreements.”
“Businesses will now have the legal ability to hire workers with two-day contracts, even minors. It gives a free choice for the derailment of working hours, the disappearance of free time and rest,” the union notes.
For its part, PENEN denounces that the bill in question “constitutes a continuation of the reactionary changes of the last 15 years,” as it “deepens labor flexibility, abolishes the 8-hour day, the 5-day week and the 40-hour week, and leads to an increase in workplace accidents and exploitation.” It also notes that with “this anti-labor abomination, the CBAs, their mandatory nature, are called into question, while it further dismantles labor law and strengthens job insecurity.”
Participating in the 24-hour nationwide strike is also the Panhellenic Union of Tugboat and Lifesaving Crews (PEPRN), as part of the mobilization by the Piraeus Labor Center.
The strike will affect the departures and arrivals of cruise ships, container ships, and tankers, as without the operation of tugboats, maneuvering for mooring and departure is impossible.
According to an announcement by PEPRN, the decision to participate was taken unanimously, as a reaction to the ongoing foot-dragging by employer associations regarding the renewal of collective labor agreements. The union speaks of illegal over-employment of crews and delays in the amendment of Presidential Decree 141, while demanding the withdrawal of the new anti-labor bill, claiming a 7-hour day, 5-day week, 35-hour week, and real wage increases.
