July 25, 2008

Greek Ports to face more strikes this week

It is reported that workers at the Greek ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki are due to strike on May 8th to 9th as part of their protest against privatization plans.

The stoppage was called amidst reports that privatization tenders for operations at Piraeus and Thessaloniki will close soon, with the winners expected to take over the facilities early next year.

The tenders are for management contracts for two of the three container facilities at Piraeus and for the entire container terminal at Thessaloniki.

Mr George Voulgarakis merchant marine minister on April 14th 2008 said that “The tender will be complete by July this year while the investors will take over in 2009.”

Port workers have opposed the privatization and there has been a series of strikes since January. Dock workers have also been refusing to work overtime and on weekends or holidays.