The single-member court of first instance of Piraeus ruled illegal the 24-hour strike action announced for tomorrow by three maritime unions, on ferry routes to and from the port of Rafina, accepting the request for interim measures filed by the Association of High-Speed and Cruise Shipowners (SETAK).
However, the maritime unions sent the message that regardless of the court decision “the final judgment will be given at the ships’ ramps by the seafarers themselves,” insisting that their struggle concerns first and foremost the safety of human life at sea.
The Minister of Maritime Affairs and Insular Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, speaking today on a television station, stressed that the increased presence of ferry companies in Rafina strengthens competition and broadens passengers’ choices, while also helping to keep prices in check.
He stressed, however, that the development of coastal shipping cannot take place at the expense of safety, noting that the port can simultaneously serve up to five ships, while the berthing requests are significantly more. As he stated, the Port Authority strictly applies the current berthing regime, assuring that “there is absolutely no discount on safety issues.”
Who is participating in the action
The 24-hour strike, which will begin at 06:01 tomorrow morning, Friday, and will be completed at 06:00 on Saturday morning, is taking place with the participation of the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Sailors (PENEN), the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers (PEMEN) and the Panhellenic Union of Lower Engine Room Crews of the Merchant Navy “O Stephenson”, while the Lavrio Labor Center is also participating.
At the same time, a strike gathering has been scheduled for 08:00 in the morning outside the P/F-O/F “Super Ferry”.
The maritime unions argue that the situation at the port of Rafina has exceeded safety limits, pointing out that the existing port infrastructure is unable to serve the increased number of ships.
As they state, there are only five berthing positions at the port, while up to eleven ships are served daily, something they believe creates serious risks for seafarers, passengers, and residents of the area.
Route cancellations
Fast Ferries announced the cancellation of the routes of the P/F-O/F “Fast Ferries Andros” from Rafina to Andros, Tinos and Mykonos, as well as its return from Mykonos, while the ship’s afternoon route will also not be operated. At the same time, the scheduled route of the P/F-O/F “Aikaterini P” to Paros, Naxos, Mykonos and Tinos is also being canceled, with the company informing that passengers will be notified by every appropriate means.
Similar cancellations were also announced today by Golden Star Ferries, due to the participation of the crews in the strike action. Specifically, the routes of the ships “Superferry”, “Andros King”, “Golden Princess” and “Andros Queen” will not take place.
What the court decision argues
In the reasoning of the decision, the court states that, despite the safety issues invoked by the maritime unions, the procedural requirements provided by the legislation for declaring a strike were not observed. In particular, it was found that the prescribed eight-day deadline for written notification of the action to employers and the competent authorities was not observed, while the number and specialties of the safety personnel who would be employed during its duration were not declared.