Action alert: Civil mobilisation of Greek seafarers
ITF Action Alert
24 March 2006
To all ITF Seafarer Affiliates
Dear Friends
You will be aware that Panhellenic Seamen’s Federation (PNO) has been holding 48 hour rolling strikes of Greek seafarers on ships in Greek ports. On 20 February 2006 the Association of Coastwise Passenger Vessels sought an injunction against the PNO, on the basis that the strike was unlawful. This was rejected by the Court of first instance.
On 21 February the Prime Minister of Greece adopted a proposal by the Minister of Shipping, and issued a civil mobilisation order of indefinite duration for Greek seafarers on passenger, ro-ro passenger and ro-ro cargo vessels. The PNO continued the strike for 36 hours after the commencement of the civil mobilisation order.
The imposition of such a draconian order to end a lawful strike is a flagrant violation of the principle of freedom of association, as provided for in ILO Convention No. 87 (Freedom of Association and the Right to Organise). It is also not the first time such measures have been used. The PNO lodged a Freedom of Association case against the Government of Greece in 2002, with the ILO Committee of Freedom of Association (Case No. 2212). The Committee recommended:
755. In the light of its foregoing conclusions, the Committee invites the Governing Body to approve the following recommendations:
(a) The Committee requests the Government to undertake negotiations with the complainant as soon as possible in full knowledge of all the relevant facts, in order to reach agreement between the parties on a time schedule for the readjustment of seafarers' pensions and to keep it informed of developments in this respect.
(b) Taking note of the fact that the civil mobilization order has now been lifted, the Committee emphasizes that unilateral measures are not conducive to harmonious industrial relations and are contrary to Conventions Nos. 87 and 98, and requests the Government to refrain from such measures in the future. Nevertheless, the Committee notes that the establishment of a requirement to ensure a minimum service in the particular circumstances of this case would not be contrary to freedom of association principles.
The PNO requests that letters of protest should be faxed to the Minister of the Merchant Marine. In order to assist, a model letter, which includes the contact details of the Minister, is provided. You are also requested to send copies to the PNO, at:
Pan-Hellenic Seamen's Federation (PNO)
47/49 Akti Miaouli Street
Livanos Building
Piraeus 185-36
Greece
We hope this information assists you.
Yours fraternally
Jon Whitlow
Secretary
Seafarers Section
