The Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) officially announced the end of its strike as of 2:00 PM today. This decision followed a meeting between union representatives and the leadership of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs, during which unionists secured assurances regarding their demands.

According to available information, PNO union representatives received assurances in their meeting with Stylianides, leading to the restart of routes.

The official statement from PNO reads:

“The PNO Administration, which convened today to assess and evaluate the ongoing strike, after receiving responses from the Union of Passenger Ship Operators (SEEN) and the Ministry on our demands, announces the following:

The SEEN’s written proposal on salary increases for Collective Labor Agreements (CLA) of our colleagues on Passenger Ferries and Mediterranean Tourist Vessels (International Voyage and Cruise Ships) is a 5% increase for 2025 and 2% for 2026.

The Ministry, following today’s meeting between the General Secretary, PNO leadership, the Minister of Maritime and Island Policy, and other officials, committed to the following:

• Immediate implementation of adjustments to terms and conditions for unemployment benefits, including raising the benefit from €350 to the standard unemployment rate.
• Increase in fines for violations of working and rest hours for seafarers.
• Strict adherence to and enforcement of maritime labor laws, especially regarding work hours, rest periods, and double crew requirements, particularly on high-speed ferries.
• A meeting scheduled by November 25 to address regulatory issues, including staffing standards under Law 4150/2013, particularly for ferries operating in the Adriatic.

Following extensive discussion, the majority of the PNO Administration accepted these proposals and assurances, emphasizing the continued pursuit of all remaining demands.

Given a full awareness of social dynamics and various factors, the Federation’s Administration decided not to extend the strike, ending it today at 2:00 PM instead of 11:59 PM.

The PNO thanks the ship crews and all seafarers, who, united around the Federation’s Administration, stood tall to achieve the strike’s success.

Lastly, the Federation thanks the public for their understanding and support of our fair cause.”