Greek workers strike as Cosco bid accepted

Piraeus port workers are against the sale because they fear it will lead to job cuts, the union began its strike action on 20 January at 6am local time.

The strike is expected to affect the routes of domestic and local ferries as well as commercial vessels calling at Priaeus, Aspropygos, Eleusis, Pachi and Thessaloniki ports for cargo discharging.

Crew Union of Towage and Salvage and the Tug Boats Crew Union of Thessaloniki have confirmed their participation for the strike which is set to last until the morning of 22 January.

The strike is also said to be in response to the Government’s planned changes to labour and insurance rights, pensions and retirement ages. During the strike period, vessels will not be able to berth, shift or sail from the affected ports.

Cosco was the sole bidder for a 67% stake in Piraeus Port Authority. On Thursday, Cosco tabled an improved offer for the share, offering EUR 22 per share, equating to EUR 368.5m for the stake. The improved offer led to Cosco being declared as the “preferred investor”.