Greek court rules Rafina ferry strike illegal, but unions vow to go ahead amid safety row
A Piraeus court declared a 24-hour seamen's strike at the port of Rafina illegal on Thursday, but three unions say the walkout will begin Friday morning regardless, citing unresolved safety risks at the congested harbour.
The court ruling
A Piraeus single-member Court of First Instance ruled late Thursday that a planned 24-hour strike at Rafina port was illegal. The court accepted a petition filed by the Association of Fast-Ferry and Cruise Shipowners (SETAK), finding that the unions had failed to observe the statutory eight-day written notice and had not specified the number and specialties of safety personnel to be on duty during the action. Earlier that afternoon, the same court had rejected a request for an interim injunction against the strike.
Union response
The three participating unions (the Panhellenic Seamen's Union PENEN, the Panhellenic Union of Merchant Navy Engineers PEMEN, and the "Stefenson" lower engine-room crew union) said they would proceed with the stoppage regardless of the ruling.
A strike rally is scheduled for 08:00 on Friday outside the Superferry vessel.The final judgment will be made at the ships' ramps by the workers themselves.
Ferry disruptions
Several operators announced cancellations. Fast Ferries scrapped all its Rafina sailings, including the Fast Ferries Andros (to Andros, Tinos, Mykonos) and the Aikaterini P (to Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, Tinos). Golden Star Ferries cancelled the Superferry, Andros King, Golden Princess, and Andros Queen. SEAJETS instead rerouted three vessels to the port of Lavrio: the Tera Jet 2 leaves at 09:50 for Andros, Tinos, Mykonos, and Paros; the Champion Jet 3 departs at 11:00 for Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos; and the Superrunner Jet will call at Lavrio at 14:20. Passengers have been notified.
Ministerial stance
Shipping and Island Policy Minister Vasilis Kikilias acknowledged that an increased number of ferry companies at Rafina boosts competition and passenger choice, but stressed safety cannot be compromised.
He noted the port can handle up to five vessels simultaneously, while daily berthing requests are significantly higher. The port authority, he assured, strictly applies the berthing regulations.There is no compromise whatsoever on safety issues.
Timeline
- Court rejects request for interim injunction against strike
- Court hears shipowners' petition, later rules strike illegal
- Strike begins at Rafina port
- Rally outside Superferry vessel
- Strike concludes
