The Piraeus Single-Judge Court of First Instance ruled that the 24-hour strike announced for tomorrow by three seafarers’ unions on coastal ferry routes to and from the port of Rafina, granting the request for injunctive relief filed by the Association of High-Speed and Cruise Ship Owners (SETAK).
However, the seafarers’ unions made it clear that regardless of the court’s decision, “the final verdict will be delivered to the ship’s ramps by the seafarers themselves,” insisting that their struggle is primarily about the safety of human life at sea.
The Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, speaking today on a television station, emphasized that the increased presence of coastal shipping companies in Rafina boosts competition and expands passengers’ options, while also helping to keep prices in check.
He stressed, however, that the growth of coastal shipping cannot come at the expense of safety, noting that the port can accommodate up to five ships at a time, while the number of route applications is significantly higher. As he noted, the Port Authority strictly enforces the current berthing regulations, assuring that “there are no compromises on safety issues.”
Who is participating in the strike
The 24-hour strike, which will begin at 6:01 a.m. tomorrow, Friday morning, and end at 6:00 a.m. on Saturday morning, is being held with the participation of the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Seamen (PENEN), the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers (PEMEN), and the Panhellenic Union of Junior Engine Crew Members of the “Stevenson,” with the Lavrio Labor Center also participating.
At the same time, a strike rally is scheduled for 8:00 a.m. outside the “Super Ferry” passenger-car ferry.
The seafarers’ unions maintain that conditions at the port of Rafina have exceeded safety limits, pointing out that the existing port infrastructure is unable to handle the increased number of ships.
As they report, there are only five berths at the port, while up to eleven ships are served daily—a situation they believe poses serious risks to seafarers, passengers, and local residents.
Scheduled Service Cancellations
Fast Ferries announced the cancellation of the “Fast Ferries Andros” ferry’s sailings from Rafina to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos, as well as its return trip from Mykonos; the ferry’s afternoon sailing will also not take place. At the same time, the scheduled service of the “Aikaterini P” high-speed catamaran to Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos has also been canceled, with the company stating that passengers will be notified by all appropriate means.
Golden Star Ferries also announced similar cancellations today due to crew participation in the strike. Specifically, the “Superferry,” “Andros King,” “Golden Princess,” and “Andros Queen” will not operate.
What the court ruling states
In the reasoning behind the ruling, the court states that, despite the safety concerns raised by the seafarers’ unions, the procedural requirements stipulated by law for calling a strike were not met. Specifically, it was found that the required eight-day deadline for written notification of the strike to employers and the competent authorities had not been met, and that the number and specializations of the security personnel to be employed during the strike had not been specified.