Greece's largest port, Piraeus, fell silent on Tuesday as workers staged a 24-hour strike demanding better job security and wage protections amid soaring inflation. Hundreds of protesters flooded the port’s terminals, holding banners and chanting slogans against proposed labor reforms they fear will leave them vulnerable to sudden layoffs and pay cuts. 💼⚡
\"Private contracts could erase my job overnight,\" said dockworker Losif, one of many expressing frustration over stagnant wages. Salaries for ferry repair crews, for example, haven’t risen since 2012—even as boat fares skyrocketed by 50% this year amid record tourism. 📈🇬🇷
The strike, coordinated by major unions, paralyzed ferry services and cargo operations. Workers argue that government plans to revise maritime labor laws—ostensibly to boost competitiveness—could slash jobs and weaken collective bargaining. \"How can I live?\" asked ferry worker Nikos, whose earnings dwindled during Greece’s financial crisis and now lag far behind 15% inflation.
This marks the second major protest in under a year. While a 3% wage increase was secured in January, unions warn of longer strikes if new agreements aren’t reached. With energy costs rising globally, tensions in Piraeus may signal a wider storm ahead. 🌪️✊
