(16 Dec 1996) English/Nat
Greek seamen began a 48-hour strike Monday, the latest in a growing band of angry wage-earners protesting against proposed socialist government austerity programs.
The paralysation of Greece is worsening as construction workers, teachers, and white- collar workers joined farmers in their nationwide strike.
The three-week protest has brought the country to a standstill, as farmers blockaded roads and railways in a protest against the socialist government's tough 1997 budget which goes to parliament this week.
These tankers will be anchored off the Greek coast of Elefsina, the latest victims in a nationwide strike against government reforms in Greece.
They'll remain here for at least two days, secured and not allowed to leave.
The Panhellenic Seamans Union called for a general 48-hour strike Monday for all Greek-flagged ships in ports around Greece.
However union authorities have made one concession: while Greek flagged vessels are at sea, they can continue their journey.
At the port of Pireaus, no ships or ferries are being allowed to leave -- whether to carry cargo or passengers.
The seamen are joining a growing number of labour groups that are protesting strict budget reforms proposed by the Greek government -- scheduled to be debated in parliament Tuesday.
For three weeks thousands of farmers have blocked the roads and railways of Greece in a nationwide protest for higher salaries.
Farmers are demanding higher subsidies, cheaper fuel prices and a write-off of 1.7 billion (U-S) dollars in debts owed to the state-run Agriculture Bank.
Now, several other large labour groups are threatening to bring the country to a standstill.
The complaints by the shipping crews are numerous.
Most are unhappy about working conditions and the government's decision to do away with their tax breaks.
At the office of the Panhellenic Seamans Union this morning, union members were planning their strategy and whether to continue strike actions beyond 48 hours.
Captain Halas explained how it would effect shipping.
SOUNDBITE:
"All vessels around the world are being effected, especially vessels which are in Greece, and we have very good communications with them. All vessels are on strike today, especially from Greek ports. No vessels have left, all vessels are secure in the port."
SUPERCAPTION: Captain John Halas, General Secretary of Panhellenic Union
For Greek Premier Costas Simitis the revolt has drawn new criticism of his leadership capabilities and rekindled nostalgia for Andreas Papandreou's mastery in swaying agricultural workers.
Papandreou, a Harvard-trained economist who became Greece's first Socialist prime minister and dominated Greek politics, died earlier this year.
In a similar crisis last year, all Papandreou had to do was go on the air and make an emotional two-minute appeal before the farmers drove their tractors and trailers back home.
If the seamen extend their strike, the effect could be devastating, not only to trade in Greece, but for companies worldwide.
Mimis Kyriakides is a marine consultant who advises shippers on matters including crews, cargo and technical problems.
He says the seaman's demands are justified and explains the reasons for their grievances.
SOUNDBITE:
SUPERCAPTION: Mimis Kyriakides, Merchant Consultant
Support for the farmers and other unions is growing.
On the streets of Athens Monday, teachers were also out demonstrating.
Government officials estimate the cost of the revolt at nearly 115 million dollars (U-S) and climbing.
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