Greek seafarers strike ends in success

Image via the KKE on X

The Communist Party of Greece (KKE) reports that after their successful strike, sailors, engineers and all other ship personnel operating on routes between Patras in Greece and Italy returned to work with their demands met and their heads held high.

Local business groups, the conciliatory trade union leadership, and the right-wing New Democracy government, which continues the policies of the former social democratic governments of SYRIZA and PASOK, opposed the strike.

The sailors’ struggle, together with that of all the other specialized workers, especially the ship engineers, was based first and foremost on their own will, determination and vigilance, which played a leading and decisive role. The strikers did not give in to the orgy of repression they faced, including the arrest of 19 of their colleagues. On the contrary, they remained determined and received support from the Patras Labour Centre, whose administration consists of an absolute majority of trade unionists who are rallied in the All Workers’ Militant Front (PAME), supported by the Communist Party of Greece (KKE).

From the beginning, the KKE supported the seafarers and backed their legitimate demands for higher wages, adequate staffing levels, and immediate health and safety measures, irrespective of their nationality (Greeks, Italians, etc.). Dimitris Koutsoumbas, the General Secretary of the Central Committee, also attended their demonstrations to express his support.

The strike's success highlights the necessity for seafarers across the Adriatic to strengthen their organization to protect their interests.