Ferry travel across Greece will grind to a complete stop on May 1, 2026, as seafarers launch a 24-hour nationwide strike called by the Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) in celebration of Labor Day.
From 00:01 to midnight (24:00), all categories of vessels will remain docked, bringing coastal ferry services to a standstill and affecting travel plans across the country.
The union says the strike is meant to spotlight long-standing labor concerns in the maritime sector, with a strong focus on safety at sea and the need for dignified, fair working conditions for seafarers.
Among its key demands, the PNO is pushing for the renewal and signing of collective labor agreements, along with stronger protections and expanded rights for trade unions.
The federation is also calling for maritime education to remain public and free, while being modernized to reflect new technological demands in the industry. At the same time, it is urging improvements in public healthcare and education, as well as the reversal of pension cuts imposed on retired seafarers.
Travellers planning to sail on May 1 are strongly advised to confirm their itineraries in advance with travel agencies or port authorities, as significant disruption is expected.
