A new 24-hour general strike in Greece is planned for February 4, by both public and private sector unions, while the Seamen’s Union is scheduling another 48-hour strike on the same date, Inchcape Shipping Services (ISS) is advising.

The action is expected to affect the routes of domestic and local ferries and commercial vessels calling at Piraeus, Aspropyrgos, Eleusis, Pachi and Megara ports for cargo discharging.

The strike action by the Seamen’s Union involves a new 4-hour stoppage and is scheduled to begin at 6 a.m. on February 4 and end at 6 a.m. on February 6. The Towage and Salvage Crew Union of Piraeus has also confirmed its participation in the strike from 6 a.m. on February 4 until 6 a.m. on February 5, and is planning a further four-hour stoppage on February 5, (times to be confirmed). During all the stoppage periods, vessels will not be able to berth, shift or sail from the affected ports.

The new action has again been called by the unions in response to the Government’s planned changes to labour and insurance rights, pensions and retirement ages.