The union cites severe understaffing and unfulfilled promises by authorities and employers, warning of a “serious threat to safety and human life at sea.”

The decision was made during a meeting of PNO’s Executive Committee on Monday, May 19, where ongoing issues in the passenger shipping sector were reassessed. According to the union’s statement, problems highlighted during a four-day strike in October 2024 remain unresolved, despite commitments from the Association of Passenger Shipping Companies (SEEN) and former Shipping Minister Stylianidis.

On April 22, 2025, PNO met with the current Minister of Shipping and Island Policy, Vasilis Kikilias, reiterating demands related to crew overnight stays, the frequency of express routes, and, most critically, chronic understaffing on Adriatic Sea ferries. The union emphasised that overwork and exhaustion among reduced crews pose significant risks to maritime safety.

“Excessive working hours and fatigue are pushing the situation to a breaking point,” PNO stated, underscoring that the lack of adequate staffing endangers both crew and passengers. Despite repeated discussions with SEEN, no meaningful action has been taken to address the staffing shortages, the union added.

PNO is urging the government to act swiftly to resolve these issues, with the strike’s primary demand being “proper staffing of vessels based on actual needs and seafarers’ working conditions.” The action is expected to disrupt ferry services to and from Italy significantly during the busy summer tourist season.

(Source: To Vima)