Greece’s seamen will stage a 24-hour nationwide strike on Wednesday, October 1, in protest against a new government labor bill that unions say extends daily working hours and undermines seafarers’ rights, the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) announced.
The strike will run from 00:01 to 24:00, halting all ferry and shipping services across the country. Ferries and ships will remain docked at Greek ports, affecting all categories of vessels.
PNO said the bill, introduced by the Labor Ministry, raises the daily work limit to 13 hours, effectively scrapping the long-standing principle of “eight hours work, eight hours leisure, eight hours rest.” The union warned that the change could endanger health, safety, and family life for crews at sea.
The seamen’s strike coincides with a broader 24-hour general strike organized by Greece’s largest unions. The wider strike is expected to disrupt public transport, local government services, hospitals, schools, railways, air travel, and other sectors. Authorities advise travelers to check with port offices, shipping companies, or travel agents before planning sea travel on October 1.
