Greek sailors on Wednesday said they were extending a two-day strike that has shut down ferry services to the islands by another two days, demanding higher pay.
Meanwhile Greek public-school teachers were on strike, marching in protest through central Athens.
Tensions are growing between labour organisations and the government over workers’ rights.
The sailors’ union PNO has demanded a new collective wage agreement in 2025 with a 12 per cent pay rise, while employers have offered a gradual three per cent increase above the rate of inflation by 2026.
The strike will now end on Friday, and sailors have warned of additional action unless their demands are met.
They are also protesting against unpaid overtime and layoffs during the winter months when ferry traffic is reduced.
If the walkout drags beyond Friday, it will disrupt travel plans for thousands of Greeks ahead of a three-day weekend on Monday, which is a public holiday.
Sailors received a six-percent bump in 2023 and five percent in 2024 after wage freezes in 2020 and 2021, the union said.
The 24-hour teachers’ strike was called by ADEDY, Greece’s civil servants’ union
Some of the demands by the teachers’ unions are salary increases and more permanent positions for temporary staff.
A general strike against the high cost of living will be held countrywide on November 20.
With AFP
