Greek privatization will trigger strikes
Greek port unions have warned of strikes against fresh privatization proposals by the government. Reports say the stoppages are again expected to hit the ports of Piraeus and Thessaloniki. Work slowdowns may also be staged.
A move to lease the two container ports to private operators a year ago lead to a month of repeated strikes and slowdowns, forcing the government to shelve its plans.
Relations have since reportedly been 'tense' with both sides unwilling to compromise and any privatization drive has been met with threats of labour unrest from Greek union leaders.
The latest strike threat follows an announement Wednesday by the new Greek Shipping Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis that a global tender for operators to run Piraeus and Thessaloniki under a 30-year concession would be launched in the first half of January.
Port unions have announced they will decide in the next few days what industrial action to take.
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| Workers against privatization |
Relations have since reportedly been 'tense' with both sides unwilling to compromise and any privatization drive has been met with threats of labour unrest from Greek union leaders.
The latest strike threat follows an announement Wednesday by the new Greek Shipping Minister Giorgos Voulgarakis that a global tender for operators to run Piraeus and Thessaloniki under a 30-year concession would be launched in the first half of January.
Port unions have announced they will decide in the next few days what industrial action to take.
Cowan Thant Zin | Fri Dec 21 04:21 GMT 2007