Strike action causes problems in marine transport

A strike called in Greece's marine transport sector on 8-9 April 1998 closed all the country's commercial ports for two consecutive days, creating considerable problems for coastal shipping.

A strike was held on 8-9 April 1998 in marine transport by administrative staff and port workers all over Greece, who were protesting at the privatisation of the Piraeus and Thessaloniki Port Authorities. The action closed down all commercial ports for two days and disrupted coastal shipping. The port workers' basic demand was that the existing legal regime and the public character of the port authorities be maintained. The Federation of Greek Port Workers (OMYLE) issued a statement claiming that by persisting in its alleged "hypocritical" attitude, the Government is attempting to alter the legal regime governing the ports and drive them into the hands of uncontrolled private ownership. The Federation also claimed that the Government is indifferent to the workers' proposal to seek the necessary reforms within the current framework of the ports as a public entity, so that the ports can respond to enhanced competition and modernisation.

On 15 April, seven unions representing workers at the Piraeus Port Authority (OLP) appealed to the Council of State, requesting repeal of the presidential decree on privatisation of the OLP, on the grounds of unconstitutionality. They claim that the controversial privatisation would have an unfavourable impact on labour relations and that it comes into conflict with the constitutional principle of uninterrupted service in the public sector. According to the Government, privatisation of the OLP will not entail any changes in its labour regime, but will enable it to take on the dynamics and features of a private company whose shares are owned by the government.