On Friday, July 3, maritime labor unions will engage in dynamic protest actions at the port of Rafina, causing significant disruptions to ferry schedules bound for the Cyclades.
The Pan-Hellenic Seamen’s Federation (PENEN), in cooperation with PEMEN and the Pan-Hellenic Union of Engine Room Staff (STEFENSON), has declared a 24-hour strike beginning at 06:00 on Friday and concluding at 06:00 on Saturday, July 4.
Ferry Cancellations
The strike will directly impact maritime connections to the Cycladic islands. According to the unions’ announcement:
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FAST FERRIES ANDROS: All scheduled routes to Andros, Tinos, and Mykonos have been cancelled (including return trips and afternoon sailings).
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AIKATERINI P: All routes to Paros, Naxos, Mykonos, and Tinos are suspended.
Ferry companies are currently notifying passengers who have already purchased tickets to minimize inconvenience at the port.
Reasons for the Mobilization: A Port at Its Breaking Point
At the heart of the seamen’s protest is the hazardous state of the infrastructure at the port of Rafina. Worker representatives describe the situation as “critical.”
The core issue stems from a massive disparity between the current infrastructure and the rising volume of traffic. Specifically, the port possesses only five docking berths, which are forced to accommodate up to eleven ships daily. The unions emphasize that this congestion poses an immediate risk to the safety of crew members, passengers, and local residents.
As part of the protest, workers have scheduled a demonstration for Friday at 10:00 AM outside the SUPER FERRY vessel at the port of Rafina.
