The Federation of Permanent Employees of Greek Ports (OMYLE) has called a three-hour work stoppage for Friday, 30 October, from 10am to 1pm, as part of a Europe-wide mobilisation by port workers.
The decision was taken unanimously at a meeting of the Federation’s board on 23 October and applies to employees at ports represented by the Federation.
According to the announcement, the action reflects concerns about the use of port facilities in military operations, the impact of automation on employment and the need to protect trade union rights.
OMYLE’s main demand is the signing of collective labour agreements at all the country’s ports, with the aim of improving pay and working conditions.
Particular attention is drawn to the outstanding new company-level collective labour agreement at the Piraeus Port Authority, as the previous agreement expired on 31 July 2026.
The Federation is calling for negotiations to be accelerated and the process to be completed without delay. It also stresses the need for workers’ representatives to take part in planning and decision-making on the operation of OLP.
Three seafarers’ unions also call strikes
Three seafarers’ unions will hold a 24-hour strike on Friday, 30 October: the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers (PEMEN), the Panhellenic Union of Lower Engine Crew of the Merchant Marine “STEFENSON” and the Panhellenic Seamen’s Union (PENEN). Ships are expected to remain docked at the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Patras, Igoumenitsa, Elefsina and Rio-Antirrio, with no departures expected during the action.
In their announcements, the two unions voice concern about the safety of seafarers working in waters where armed conflicts are taking place.
Key demands from PEMEN and “STEFENSON” include designating dangerous sea areas as war zones, renewing collective labour agreements with a 12% pay rise, improving ships’ staffing levels and strengthening measures to protect crews’ health and safety.
The unions are also calling for a seven-hour working day, a five-day week and a 35-hour working week, as well as a doctor to be present on ships at all times.
PENEN, for its part, says the escalation of armed conflicts is increasing risks for seafarers and affecting their working conditions.
According to its announcement, 28 attacks on ships were recorded in the first 21 days of October in the Persian Gulf, while it reports 570 confirmed attacks in the Black Sea, leaving 40 seafarers dead and hundreds injured.
The union also stresses that seafarers are suffering losses in income, saying that “under the two-year collective labour agreement that was signed, the meagre wage rises had been wiped out within the first year”.
Piraeus Labour Centre calls 24-hour city-wide strike
Finally, the Piraeus Labour Centre has called a 24-hour strike across Piraeus for Friday, 30 October, as part of the International Day of Action by dockworkers and port workers.
According to its announcement, trade union organisations from more than 100 ports in dozens of countries are co-ordinating their actions, with key demands including protection for workers, higher incomes and keeping port facilities out of military operations.
The Piraeus Labour Centre is urging workers to attend the strike rally scheduled for 10am on Friday, 30 October, in Piraeus’s Municipal Theatre Square.
The seafarers’ unions have scheduled a rally at the same place and time, while PENEN has announced a preliminary gathering at 9.15am at Agia Triada, opposite NAT.