Stress over potential port closures

A crucial meeting will take place on Thursday between Deputy Minister of Development, Competitiveness and Shipping, Charis Pamboukis, and the PMF Board, in order to avoid the deadlock created by seamen striking mid-season.

Mr. Pamboukis sent a letter to the Secretary General of the PMF, Giannis Halas, stating the following:

“Mr. Halas, I invited the Panhellenic Maritime Federation Administration to attend a meeting on July 21st at 16.00 in my office in order to discuss issues of interest to Greek seamen raised within the context of fiscal adjustment due to the country’s current economic situation.

Please consider that this debate is practical proof of my willingness to engage in permanent and continuous dialogue and regular consultation on all aspects of shipping, with a deep recognition of the contribution of said profession to the country’s development and social cohesion”.

The Federation is asking for the repeal of Article 44 of the Implementation Act, which refers to the reduced funding of NAT, affecting pensions.  It is also a sign that within 20 months, seafarers’ pensions have been cut by 55%.

Also, according to NAT data along with KEAN and KAAN, the deficit for 2011 exceeds 1.3 billion.

The PMF, through its Secretary General Giannis Halas, has warned that it is ready to go on strike this summer.