Seamen's strike leaves Greek islands without ferries for 6th day, union mulls further action

Published January 13, 2015

The Greek islands have been left without ferry links with the mainland for a sixth day due to a protracted strike by seamen angry at pay arrears and austerity policies.

The seamen's union is meeting Tuesday to decide whether to continue the rolling 48-hour strikes. Their protest has already had an impact on islanders, many of whom rely on the mainland for supplies.

Greek unions have held a wave of strikes over the past three years to protest the harsh austerity measures taken to secure vital international rescue loans.

The conservative-led coalition government has implied that if the seamen's strike drags on, it will force them back to work with a civil mobilization order. Last month, it employed that tactic to end a lengthy walkout by Athens underground rail workers.

URL

https://www.foxnews.com/world/seamens-strike-leaves-greek-islands-without-ferries-for-6th-day-union-mulls-further-action