Seafarers' strike keeps ships docked at seven Greek ports

eKathimerini reported on 30 October 2026 that ships remained docked at seven ports on Friday as three seafarers’ unions staged a nationwide 24-hour strike. The unions are demanding higher wages, better working conditions and improved safety measures.

The walkout affects the ports of Piraeus, Rafina, Lavrio, Patra, Igoumenitsa, Elefsina and Rio-Antirrio. The unions are the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Engineers (PEMEN), the Panhellenic Union of Lower Engine-Room Crew Members “Stephenson” and the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Marine Sailors (PENEN).

Their demands include a 12% pay increase under collective labor agreements, improved working and safety conditions, a seven-hour workday and mandatory medical staff aboard ships. The Federation of Permanent Employees of Greek Ports (OMYLE) has also called a three-hour work stoppage from 10 am to 1 pm. The Piraeus Labor Center has declared a separate 24-hour strike across the port city. A rally is scheduled for 10 am at Piraeus Municipal Theater Square. Further nationwide labor action is planned for November 25, with rallies also expected.

The paper says the Piraeus strike is also part of an international day of action by dockworkers and port workers. According to the Piraeus Labor Center, labor organizations are coordinating mobilizations at more than 100 ports. A central demand of that mobilization is that ports not be used to transport weapons, military equipment or troops to conflict zones.